funky steering

[benracin]

My car has something loose in the steering and it only happens on a slight right turn. During a race you really don't notice it since most turns are hard with a quick turn in. The only tracks where I notice it during hot laps is the little bend before turn 7 at black hawk farms and the very long turn 1 at Brainerd. You notice it much more on a cool down lap where there is much less lateral Gs.

This is what it feels like. On one of these easy rights, as I start to turn the wheel maybe an 1/8th of a turn the car will suddenly jump more to the right. Although I haven't moved my hands or the wheel, it's like the steering wheel has moved an additional half a turn. Basically, the car moves on it's own.

To me it's like the driver side front wheel is being allowed to pivot a small degree on it's own. I'm guessing it still does it on hard turns but I don't feel it due to the quick turn in, on slower turns or less harsh turns it's a bit scary since the car suddenly snaps to the right a bit.

I'm sure with some investigation I could probably find out what this is, but asking you folks is so much easier! Anyone know what I need to adjust/replace? I've read that the steering boxes on these old rx7's go pretty quick, but to me that part of the car seems to be ok.

Thanks!

Ben
ITA RX7

[Speed Raycer]

Hopefully I won't be your only response as I haven't been around RX's all that long. I'd check your tie rod ends and the idler arm bushing next to the header.

We had a bad TRE but only noticed it with the car up in the air with no load on the wheels... it felt like a flat spot but it moved one tire more than the other. To test the TRE, just squeeze it from the shaft to the base with a big pair of channel locks. If it compresses, that might be your culprit.

------------------
Scott Rhea
It's not what you build...
it's how you build it

Izzy's Custom Cages

[This message has been edited by Speed Raycer (edited September 07, 2004).]

[Hahn63]

Check the following: Wheel bearings, ball joints, all rod ends, steering box (check mounting bolts), idler arm (bolts tight and bushings ok?) and the most overlooked item ...make sure your steering wheel is attached to the hub and your hub bolt is tight on the shaft.

Roland
ITA 16 (Enduro)
E/P 16 (Run-offs bound!)

[benracin]

Roland! How's it going! Going by your sig looks like you're making the run-offs. Nice.

[lateapex911]

I would bet money a nut and bolt check will solve this issue.

I would frurther bet that the bolt that is loose is one of the lower strut bolts.

The ones that attach upwards into the bottom of the strut.

If you have done work ther, they are notorious for coming loose, and causing exactly the symptoms you describe.

Let us know who guessed the closest!

------------------
Jake Gulick
CarriageHouse Motorsports
ITA 57 RX-7
New England Region
[email protected]

[moto62]

Change your idler arm bushings. Probably the cause but check your tie rod ends while you're at it.
Ray

[lateapex911]

Doesn't count there Ray mon'! Roland already mentioned the idler bushings!

gotta be the first AND be right to get teh prize!

But the hot rotarty exhaust does tend to cook the bushing...

------------------
Jake Gulick
CarriageHouse Motorsports
ITA 57 RX-7
New England Region
[email protected]

[benracin]

Well alright everyone, I'll check tonight and let you know. Now if I replace everything (which seems to be the case with most things on this car) does everyone win?

[moto62]

Originally posted by benracin:
Now if I replace everything (which seems to be the case with most things on this car) does everyone win?

Yeah.. but only Roland will get the prize.
Ray

[Hahn63]

What do I win...a set of slicks?

Yea... don't I wish!

Ben, I hope you don't have to replace everything! I sure you will most likely find something loose.

Roland
ITA 16 (Enduro)
E/P 16 (Run-offs bound!)

[GEO46]

I'm late to the game, but my vote is with Jake. Notorios for funking handling, and easy to overlook.

[benracin]

Looks like Jake wins! The two bolts down there were both loose. One probably caused the other or something like that. So due to his incredible knowledge, Jake wins the prise which is giving me $100!!! Lets all give him a hand folks.

[bcarter]

Good thing you found them...

The one time that happened to me was on the track, and one of them actually fell out. A sphincter awareness moment for sure. I have since checked them regularly, and use loctite...

------------------
G. Brooke Carter
Wheat Buckley Racing
# 10 Challenge Car
2003 Class Champion
Calgary, Alberta

[planet6racing]

So, wait, does this mean I can't just lean on your left side, forcing you to just turn slightly to right, then wait for it to catch and watch you spin away?

------------------
Bill
Planet 6 Racing
bill (at) planet6racing (dot) com

[benracin]

You can try, but can your plastic car really do any real pushing? I've seen those commercials where a car hits a Rubbermaid trash can and it seems like you just absorb the hit.

DOH!

[ddewhurst]

SMACK, SMACK & more SMACK. Oct at the Farm should be Fun.

David

ps: Aw, forget it............


[This message has been edited by ddewhurst (edited September 09, 2004).]

[benracin]

Howdy David, found what broke in the Trans. As soon as I figure out how to post pictures I'll put them up here. It's crazy!

[lateapex911]

Man...am I on a roll or what!

Where do I send the check!?


------------------
Jake Gulick
CarriageHouse Motorsports
ITA 57 RX-7
New England Region
[email protected]

[planet6racing]

You can send it to:

Planet 6 Racing
5101 W. Beloit Road
Milwaukee, WI 53214

I'll make sure Ben gets none of it!

And, Ben, it'll be hard to touch you when you are so far behind me!

------------------
Bill
Planet 6 Racing
bill (at) planet6racing (dot) com

[benracin]

You mean so far behind you because I'm about to put a lap on you right? Man, I better get to work on the car if I'm going to be talking smack like this.