So I pulled the steering box out of my car the other day, to sand down and paint over some surface rust where fluid had leaked over the years. Apparently, while it was out, the shaft came dislodged from within the box, and the bearing on the end of the shaft fell out. Having never really worked with a steering box before, I didn't realize this. Put the steering box back in, put everything back together, go to turn the wheel, and something doesn't feel quite right. Feels very wrong, actually. So I pull the steering box again, and take it apart. This is what I find:



Oops. It went on the end of this shaft:



Clearly, I have two options here.

1. replace that bearing. Where can I find another? I check Mazdatrix and Rockauto and all I found was seal kits, not what I need right now.

2. FC subframe swap. I know where I can get an FC subframe for cheap, but I finally got some wheels I like for my car and don't want to go through that again. Is there any way I can keep a 4x110 bolt pattern and swap to an FC subframe? That's a really tempting option if I don't have to buy new wheels. Breaking parts is always a good time to upgrade.

 

I'm no expert on the subject at all, but i do know that with the fc subframe swap the steering components become a major issue. Something about the steering columns not working together, i know you can use a fc steering column but it wont work with the first gen dash, so something must be fabbed up to get the steering to work. I'd say your best bet is to post in the for sale section a want to buy add or start scrapyard hunting. Here's a link to a current post about the fc subframe shop.

https://www.rx7club.com/1st-generation-specific-1979-1985-18/quick-video-fc-subframe-fb-896622/

again im no expert this is just knowledge i've gained reading through the site.
Hope this helps

 

I saw that video. The main thing I'm worried about with that swap is the bolt pattern. I'm not afraid of fabrication, as some would be required as I'd be keeping my 12A.

I emailed the guy with the FC and asked if he still had the front subframe, I may be using some of that.

 

How about tearing apart an old steering box for the bearing? Also I am sure there are companies out there that make a bearing that fits that inner/outer diameter and thickness.

 

That's what I may wind up doing. The engineer in me really, really, really likes the idea of an FC subframe for a myriad of reasons.

 

yeah that's the simplest way.

sometimes theres a number on the bearing, sometimes you have to measure it...

 

In cases like that I have taken the bearing down to my local bearing shop and have them try and match it up for me. Saves me from making a measurement error.

 

the whole thing?

 

Took the busted bearing an the whole shaft down to the local power transmission house (Purvis Industries) and they'd never seen a bearing like this. So that's a bust.

Now I've got to find a steering box somewhere, just for this one stupid little bearing.

Does anyone out there have a steering box they'd be willing to open up and steal a bearing from for me? I'd be willing to pay somewhere in between what the bearing's worth and what the steering box is worth.

 

I have a power steering box, but I do not think it is the same. I'm assuming yours is manual (?).

 

Yeah, mine's manual, but I don't know if that little bearing is different.

 

Alright, if you want the power one, let me know as I have the whle box and I need to get rid of it.

 

I believe it is listed in the parts fiche. Mazda may still carry it.

 

Good idea. Apparently it's still available, but very expensive for a little bearing.:

http://www.trademotion.com/partlocat...11&catalogid=1

 

Sounds about par for a Mazda Japan made bearing....

 

Yep. Expensive lesson.

I'll probably replace the seals in the box while I've got it apart, and hopefully never have to worry about the damn thing again.

 

what type of fuid is in the manual box? the seals on mine just went also but ive fixed it and now i dont know what fluid to put back in

 

Its a Koyo ACS0304, the race is pressed into the box and the other race is pressed into that nut cap around the shaft. I just went through this with mine. I never tried to track it down 3rd party too hard, I just found a replacement box. Also, when I called the dealer they told me it no longer was available, interesting that site shows it as available. Mazdawholesaleparts.com shows it as unavailable.

~T.J.

 

Yep, that's exactly what I did. Just replaced the whole damn thing.

 

gear oil, same thing that goes in the transmission

 

yeah i found its sae90 gl-4 .343 qts looked arround a bit more online but thanks

 

I don't know what your overall plans are for the car, but Re-speed's rack and pinion kit including crossmember is sexy. Expensive, but lighter and sexy.

 

College student. "Expensive" isn't in my vocabulary right now.

 

yeah its 750 for the crossmember kit but ya still have to buy the rack so ur really talking about 1k i looked into that as well