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Subframe & Intermediate Shaft Clearance

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Old 11-06-17, 09:56 PM
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Subframe & Intermediate Shaft Clearance

1987 RX7 S4 here, I've got this manual rack I'm trying to install but there is interference between the universal joint and subframe every 180 degrees of rotation of the intermediate shaft, have no idea what it looked like before the thing got disassembled. Can't figure this one out, there's zero play in the intermediate shaft, the universal joint splines are butted all the way up to the steering column and the steering rack. I'm not sure it's supposed to be that close? It's a very tiny contact area where it inteferes, I almost want to take a dremel and grind it down.
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Old 11-07-17, 12:46 AM
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loosen the rack and lift it up (like give it a twist UP ) and the universal joint will clear the subframe.
also there is a bit of leeway that allows that whole section (with the u joint) to move from the main steering column to the rack.
That bolt that is near the top closest the firewall will allow you to slide the section either towards or up on the assembly.The shaft on the main column is slotted to allow the part to slide on
(sort of like This\-----/ )
.You can get about an inch of play in the whole steering assembly by just adjusting that bolt.

Last edited by misterstyx69; 11-07-17 at 12:51 AM.
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Old 11-09-17, 11:52 PM
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Thank you sir!

For anyone else having trouble check the attachment below. You'll want to first assemble item 11 onto the steering rack, then loosely attach the bolts in red such that the intermediate shaft can slide in and out. Without the 2 steering brackets installed, place the steering rack onto the subframe supports and position so that the universal joint clears the subframe by 0.5 to .75 inches. Then assemble and hand tighten the bracket circled in turquoise. Then assemble and hand tighten the bracket circled in green. Torque to 27-34 ft lbs. Remove the two bolts from the intermediate shaft, apply thread locker and then install bolts again to 15 ft-lbs.
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Old 11-10-17, 01:25 AM
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Your pic shows a manual rack..which is good as it explains the process a lot easier.
If it was a power rack it would be more cluttered..!

Glad you got "steered" in the right direction!..haha!




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