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Mazda repu manual rack or power steering rack

Old Oct 28, 2016 | 08:36 PM
  #1  
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Mazda repu manual rack or power steering rack

Has anyone installed one? And what vehicle did you get it from?and would you have pics. Please and thanks
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Old Oct 29, 2016 | 10:12 AM
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Just Googled up an image of the REPU front subframe. Looks a lot like the Cosmo (and RX-4) subframe.

When I converted my Cosmo (RX-5) to rack and pinion I used a RHD Miata rack mounted behind the subframe.

Inner tie rods needed to be shortened a few inches but the pivots ended up basically in line with the control arm pivots. Was a bit of a tight squeeze getting the steering shaft to it but solved that with a double U joint.

I used a powered rack. Have not driven the car, but have pushed it around. I'd say that the rack wouldn't need power for anyone used to driving an RX-7 with a manual rack. On a truck with wide tires that might be a different situation. I do intend to power the rack as I'll be running larger modern tires and want the car to be drivable by "anyone".

Here's the videos in which I do the conversion:


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Old Oct 29, 2016 | 02:56 PM
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What was the reason for using the RHD Miata rack vs.the LHD?
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Old Oct 30, 2016 | 09:48 AM
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Because an LHD rack would need to be in front of the subframe where it won't fit due to interference with...everything.
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Old Nov 2, 2016 | 12:43 PM
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I thought about using a 1994 Geo Metro rack. It mounts behind the front axle and is small, and the length measured close.

Power steering would be awesome.
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Old Nov 5, 2016 | 07:53 PM
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I used a manual rack, but then added an electric power steering box out of a Saturn, only cost me 65$ for the computer controller off ebay, it allows you to dial in the amount of resistance you want when turning. If you look closely at the photo you can see the bottom half of the electric steering motor. The best part is that there are no hydraulic lines or fluid to mess with.
Attached Thumbnails Mazda repu manual rack or power steering rack-20161015_194914.jpg  
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Old Nov 21, 2016 | 08:50 PM
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I've seen people use 80's B-series manual steering boxes with minor modifications. Haven't tried it myself though.
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