How to tighten steering?
Steering should be very tight, spec for steering wheel free play is +/- 15 mm. The car was built with one of the best steering feels of all time, better than that German brands and near equal telemetry steering of Lotus. While R&P is adjustable, refer to Service Manuals (linked on this forum) Section N for other measurement checks and backlash adjustment, I honestly would suspect outside of the steering rack first. While ARB bent link does not tie to loose steering, it does point to suspected suspension damage and thus potentials of steering component damage.
Rotary Freak
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,673
Likes: 287
From: sydney
Roger PM'd me another area to look.
"My car had a similar issue where it was "vague or loose" at centre. That is, I could turn the steering wheel an inch or two before the wheels would turn.
In my case I eventually found the problem and was able to fix it with the use of some JB Weld!
There is a type of "knuckle joint" at the top of the steering shaft/column which is covered by a rubber boot. It is located near the firewall. You will need to roll the rubber boot back to expose the "steering knuckle joint". The knuckle joint allows the steering shaft to go from horisontal through the firewall and down on an angle to the steering rack.
The knuckle joint is attached to the steering shaft by a type of "pin" which goes all the way through the steering shaft. The problem is the "pin" gets worn and a small gap occurs which means when you turn the steering wheel, the knuckle joint turns but the steering shaft does not. Simple fix is to put some JB Welb around the pin (on both sides) to "fill in the gap". Result: No more steering play!!"
Rogers description is spot on with what is going on with my car. I will try and take a look this weekend.
"My car had a similar issue where it was "vague or loose" at centre. That is, I could turn the steering wheel an inch or two before the wheels would turn.
In my case I eventually found the problem and was able to fix it with the use of some JB Weld!
There is a type of "knuckle joint" at the top of the steering shaft/column which is covered by a rubber boot. It is located near the firewall. You will need to roll the rubber boot back to expose the "steering knuckle joint". The knuckle joint allows the steering shaft to go from horisontal through the firewall and down on an angle to the steering rack.
The knuckle joint is attached to the steering shaft by a type of "pin" which goes all the way through the steering shaft. The problem is the "pin" gets worn and a small gap occurs which means when you turn the steering wheel, the knuckle joint turns but the steering shaft does not. Simple fix is to put some JB Welb around the pin (on both sides) to "fill in the gap". Result: No more steering play!!"
Rogers description is spot on with what is going on with my car. I will try and take a look this weekend.
The pin in the upper uni joint can move a mm or so each direction within the confines of the drilling before coming to a stop, delivering a bit of wander in the straight ahead. Went through all my spares and only one was free of play - so probably most FDs are affected to a greater or lesser degree.
If the dust boots on the old ones were OK....a bit cooked in my case.....I'd probably look at reaming a hole and using a taper pin to fix the problem.
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
From: NC
Having a similar issue
Any update with a fix to this issue? My steering has like a 1/4 inch max of slack where I can hear it clicking some when i turn my steering wheel before it starts to move the wheel. I have a suspicion that it could be an issue with the steering rack. Has anyone ran into an issue like that? Mine is a RHD.
Any update with a fix to this issue? My steering has like a 1/4 inch max of slack where I can hear it clicking some when i turn my steering wheel before it starts to move the wheel. I have a suspicion that it could be an issue with the steering rack. Has anyone ran into an issue like that? Mine is a RHD.
- Inspect your tie rods. Plenty of videos online as to how to do this. Simple fix, mine were fine.
- Inspect and replace your steering rack bushings with poly-urethane bushes. I went with super pro and they made a big difference in cleaning up the slop.
- Inspect your power steering pump and reservoir for leaks. The small 3" hose that sits between the reservoir and pump is NOTORIOUS for leaking. A new one from Ray Crowe is around $10. I did not notice mine was bad until a friend pointed it out. After replacing it, my steering has become smooth and effortless.
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
From: NC
3 Things I did recently that improved my steering.
- Inspect your tie rods. Plenty of videos online as to how to do this. Simple fix, mine were fine.
- Inspect and replace your steering rack bushings with poly-urethane bushes. I went with super pro and they made a big difference in cleaning up the slop.
- Inspect your power steering pump and reservoir for leaks. The small 3" hose that sits between the reservoir and pump is NOTORIOUS for leaking. A new one from Ray Crowe is around $10. I did not notice mine was bad until a friend pointed it out. After replacing it, my steering has become smooth and effortless.
However when take my steering wheel and turn it from side to side, I can hear a clacking/clicking sound where the steering wheel is turning but the wheels are not. I'll check the power steering pump and reservoir but I dont see any leaks in the car. last I checked.
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 4,495
Likes: 1,484
From: West Coast
I ended up rebuilding the steering rack after trying and failing to find one that was cleaner than my blown-out 150K mile one. It definitely took care of the sloppiness and wasn't too expensive either. Mazdatrix or Ray Crowe has everything you'll need.
https://www.rx7club.com/3rd-generati...umbers-636037/
https://www.rx7club.com/3rd-generati...umbers-636037/
Rotary Freak
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,673
Likes: 287
From: sydney
Before making any assumptions, I'd check that steering shaft uni under the booster as mentioned. It will give that amount of play at steering wheel radius and an audible click - at least with engine off. Thought there was another thread here from ages ago, but this is what you're checking....https://www.rx7club.com/3rd-generati...-what-1111069/
