WTF? FC rear steering???
 

Was reading http://www.aaroncake.net/RX-7/facts.htm after seeing the link in that FAQs and sall this

FCs have passive rear steering, which Mazda refers to as the "Dynamically Tracking Suspension System", or DTSS. If you don't want this (for drag racing, etc.) then you can buy special bushings to remove it.

i was like WTF fcs don't have rear steer.... do they?

nope...just the dtss which I hate btw.

DTSS is passive rear steering. It worked pretty good when the cars were new, but now the busshings are worn out and mazda will not sell just the bushings you have to buy alot of parts at the same time to replace it.

ok that works for me

The DTSS is rear steering.

Yeah they do, the DTSS system, you can see a diagram of it here :

http://www.aaroncake.net/rx-7/brochu...e.asp?Number=8

It works as a floating hub, when your sitting still and you turn the wheel nothing happens to the back, but as you travel and turn the wheel it slightly moves in tune with the front to help corner and move alot more fluidly.

Remember its not really steering the wheel per say, but it is making it toe in or out depending on the situation.

Yeah it changes the toe in/toe out settings. Well they worked good when brand new.

But some 40 dollar rear-toe eliminators to alleviate a worn out DTSS system. I've actually read stories on this forum about failed DTSS systems causing them to wreck their 7 during highway speeds, I think this was AFTER they had swerved to avoid something or what not. NOT during regular cruising etc.

Before I put in my bushing my rear end walked all over the place.

do that come stock on all FCs? if not would a 88 GXL have them?

ALL all fcs come with it

From what I know they all had it, even the base model.

The 88 GXL has them as all FC's do, unless someone swapped them out.

i will have to ask the guy i'm getting it from.

If he didnt put in the eliminator bushings then it will have it no matter what.

Mine are still in great shape on the Turbo and I love the way it works. Haven't checked the ones on my 'Vert yet but I'm doing the suspension on it this summer so we'll see. From the hell I've given it over the past year though I haven't noticed anything to indicate they're worn out. The car seems to react like it should when driven hard. The car saw mainly highway miles before I got it and sat for two years so I'm hoping I don't have to replace them.

You either have them or they have been changed out. Seems that most of the people on here don't like them or the idea of them or they're so worn out they have no choice but to put the eliminators in.

wow youve been making lots of threads lately that can be answered by searching for 15 seconds.

That's because most people are clueless about it, and hear on the internet that it is a bad thing to have.

no because when i search i get a lot of BS result that don't give the answers i need or after going through the FAQs i don't find what i need.

Hmmm maybe something else...

This same subject is also covered in the Standard Features and options sticky thread found at the top of this the FC section.

The sticky threads are there to help you. As is the search function. You come across well lets say in a bad light if you don't use them.

couldnt a worn out system cause an out-of-alignment situation where the tail of the car isnt following the front like it should? like when you're following a car that looks like they're going forward sideways

NO, that is from a bent frame or subframes

oh ok, i just thought since they are independant, one could get stuck toe in a little and the other toe out...

I am looking to purchase the eliminator bushings.. Im hoping for a more typical, predictable suspension setup. Id prefer it if I decide to continue diving into a little drifting here and there.

It takes a lot (more than the average driver does on most days) to kick one into rear steer.

Lateral force needs to exceed .60 g for Toe In (remember stock the FC does about .85 G- so at .60 you are at approx 3/4 of the limit) and is progressive on the Toe In based on lateral force above .55 g.

With low to med load of .40-.50 there is actually slight Toe Out (increases turnability).

There are also other factors such as braking, driving force forward, and engine braking that can effect the DTSS, but the effect is much less (not exceeding 10 oe even at loads as high as 400 kg).

Anyway...in the real world I would doubt if 90% of the FC drivers hardly ever get to .75g. Heck I would be surprised if any SE/Base/luxury model with stock sized wheels and tires ever hit .75G.

Autocross is fun =)