Improving Steering

[impulsive-RX7]

For those of us who don't want to drop the cash on the sweet Re-Speed rack & pinion conversion...

What can we do to improve or repair the stock steering setup?

Like new tie rod ends.

Someone do a how-to for adjusting the steering gear box.

Discuss.

[WE3RX7]

I had a thread like this one earlier on...

Basically, the first thing to do is install new idler arm bushings (cheap) - that should help take some slop out. If its still no good - get new tie rods too. STILL no good - adjust the steering box (pricey if done at dealership).

There is a write-up link in my thread i think.. let me find it...

[WE3RX7]

Here you go:

http://www.rotarycarclub.com/showthread.php?t=508

You can see everybody's comments too that might help...

[Kentetsu]

After all of the wearable parts have been inspected and replaced, check out my post in this thread on how to adjust the steering box.

http://www.rx7club.com/showthread.php?t=441629&highlight=steering+grind

[impulsive-RX7]

So much for trying to build content on this site.

[Kentetsu]

Well, I guess they can't call it stealing content if I wrote the damn thing in the first place, eh? :)

Okay, I copied this from an old post that I responded to some time back. Hope this helps. It worked great for me, and was a lot simpler than the other methods. Might be a cheap shortcut, but like I said, it worked so I won't complain....



Okay, if your's is the same as mine, here's whatcha do;

Very important! Grind the beveled edge off of the large socket that you are going to use. It is almost impossible to get that one loose without rounding the corners off even without the bevel on the socket.

Okay, once that is done then get that large nut broken loose. If you manage to do that then you are home free. Once it is loose, then hold it while you turn the next largest nut (mine has a series of holes drilled into it). I used a hammer and cold punch to turn it. Tighten it about 1/8 of a turn, then retighten the large nut and take it for a drive.

This will be a trial and error type of thing. If its still too loose, then tighten that inner nut (the one with the holes in it) another 1/8 turn. If you end up getting it too tight then your steering will loose its self-centering properties and will quickly wear out completely.

I got lucky the first time I tried this. Took it for a drive and there was damn near zero freeplay, but not too tight. I used to have about 2" of freeplay, which was a really exciting setup, but not too practical. Now, when driving down the road small adjustments are almost done telepathically! This changed the entire feel of my car. By far the best thing I have done to it as far as improving the driveability and fun factor...

[Scott1982RX7]

Well, I guess they can't call it stealing content if I wrote the damn thing in the first place, eh? :)

Okay, I copied this from an old post that I responded to some time back. Hope this helps. It worked great for me, and was a lot simpler than the other methods. Might be a cheap shortcut, but like I said, it worked so I won't complain....



Okay, if your's is the same as mine, here's whatcha do;

Very important! Grind the beveled edge off of the large socket that you are going to use. It is almost impossible to get that one loose without rounding the corners off even without the bevel on the socket.

Okay, once that is done then get that large nut broken loose. If you manage to do that then you are home free. Once it is loose, then hold it while you turn the next largest nut (mine has a series of holes drilled into it). I used a hammer and cold punch to turn it. Tighten it about 1/8 of a turn, then retighten the large nut and take it for a drive.

This will be a trial and error type of thing. If its still too loose, then tighten that inner nut (the one with the holes in it) another 1/8 turn. If you end up getting it too tight then your steering will loose its self-centering properties and will quickly wear out completely.

I got lucky the first time I tried this. Took it for a drive and there was damn near zero freeplay, but not too tight. I used to have about 2" of freeplay, which was a really exciting setup, but not too practical. Now, when driving down the road small adjustments are almost done telepathically! This changed the entire feel of my car. By far the best thing I have done to it as far as improving the driveability and fun factor...

And for those of you that have a steering unit like mine (they are not all the same) - you can remove the top of the unit to get the locknut off - it can be a pain to loosen that thing on the vehicle. Be careful to turn in the adjuster screw to push the top plate off after you loosen the 3 bolts holding the top - it is quite simple! Once off, use the appropriate vice and socket. I put some loctite on mine after I adjusted it on car.

And changing the fluid becomes quite easy as well!

Scott

[Eatmyclutch]

Rock Auto sells the idler arm bushings: http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/x,carcode,1192250,parttype,7332

[Eatmyclutch]

Check out this thread, too: http://www.rx7club.com/showthread.php?t=513792