Hi folks; RX7 newbie here so forgive my potentially dumb question.

I was looking for the pinion backlash adjustment on my 1985 manual steering box and so far it's remaining hidden to me. I can adjust the preload on the column and on the top bearing (the one with the 40mm lock nut), but mine does not seem to have the (so I've been lead to believe) 14mm locknut and screw adjustment. Where, (precisely) is this located?

Thanks!

John

 

'85 RX-7s have a recirculating ball steering box, so I doubt you will find any rack and pinion backlash specs for them.

 

Hi, Aaron, thanks for the reply. Perhaps I stated my problem poorly.
I wish to check and/or adjust the backlash between the sector gear and the rack of my manual steer 1985.

According to the factory service manual, there is an adjustment of the backlash seen at the pitman arm. It is this adjustment that I don't seem to be able to see (with my limited shop capabilities).

What I would like to know (if possible) is where the "screw" and "locknut" that they refer to for this adjustment is physically located. I think I understand the bearing preload adjustments, but not the one used for backlash. Or, perhaps I am misinterpreting something?

Thanks in advance for your help.

John

 

Here you go, this should help: https://www.rx7club.com/1st-generation-specific-1979-1985-18/where-can-i-if-i-can-get-steering-gearbox-overhaul-kit-441629/





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Thanks, I'll go through the info.

I think that my steering box does not have the preload adjustment as described in the manual. The "big nut" with the detented adjustment cap is where I'm going to try my luck. My steering is quite good, I'm just trying to figure out all of the required adjustments that are done to a higher mileage manual car .

Again, appreciate the link.
J

 

Just read through my directions in that thread, and it should all be clear to you.

Question though, you say that your steering is quite good, does that mean that you don't have excessive free play in the steering wheel? That is usually the reason for seeking these adjustments...

 

Oh yeah, the steering is OK; it's at the upper limit of free play in the steering wheel.

I just want to learn about how the system works and what the adjustments are used for. Incidentally, I found the preload adjustment (duh), under the little cap in the center of the locknut. It never occured to me that it might be capped; I'd not seen one of these before. I went through the adjustment procedure for the pitman arm and the manual steering is absolutely like new now. It's one finger steering and resets to center automatically. Not bad for a $300.00 car with 110k miles. The more I drive it, the more I like it! Thanks for the help!
John

 

Glad you got it sorted.