I'm getting ready to set up another 96 Miata for track duty. On my last car (now sold), I did it the quick and easy way by draining the fluid and looping the lines around. I was happy with the way it came out.
Now I see that there is a more complicated method that's supposed to decrease resistance on the FM website. Has anybody done it this way and can it be done with the rack in the car?
I've done it :) I don't think you'd save any effort by doing it with the rack in the car, as you have to pull the pinion. That means disconnecting the steering column - and at that point, you're only four bolts away from having the rack out.
Warning, I think the 1996 racks come apart differently than the earlier one I used to do that writeup. Check the FSM.
I depowered the steering rack in the former Challenge Miata (and the Tracer too) following the FM guidelines, it feels nearly the same as a stock manual rack, but with a shorter ratio and works quite well with stock steering wheel diameter.
Removing the steering rack from the car is a breeze and will make the depowering process much easier. Disconnect the steering column input from the pinion via a single bolt, disconnect the tie rods, and remove the 4 nuts securing the rack to the subframe. It'll slide out the side through the wheel well.
What do you really gain by doing this? As I mentioned, I didn't really think there was anything wrong with the last one I did the easy way.
Also, I've also remember hearing about swapping to R-model tie rod ends. Is that to help with bump steer?
Less internal friction, you're removing a seal that's no longer needed.
The idea behind the R-package tie rods is to cut down on bump steer if the car is lowered.
Keith wrote:Less internal friction, you're removing a seal that's no longer needed.
The idea behind the R-package tie rods is to cut down on bump steer if the car is lowered.
How low do you need to go before you need them? Suppose for example, I were to use, oh I don't know, say, Flyin Miata springs?
There are thousands of happy Miata drivers running around on FM springs and stock tie rod ends :) In fact, most 1990-93 models are at that ride height right now on stock springs.
I've never actually measured bump steer on a Miata, so I can't quantify exactly when they become superior to the stock ones. The R package sat about 13" front and rear, which is where the FM springs will end up.
