Power steering rack for 1990 4wd Pro

[1st Gen]

For more information about my project car, look at the work log link in my sig.
My steering rack leaks and I need to figure it out. There's only a few big problems left to fix and this is one. I found a thread from a few years ago with some great information in it.

http://www.wihandyman.com/forum/showthread.php?37365-4WD-Steering-rack

Looping the lines is an options of last resort as I really don't like the strong arm method at slow speeds. I'll link this to my main worklog as usual and update as I make progress.

I guess the first question I need to answer is do I need to take the rack off the car to change the seals? My resources are of course Google, and the book I have about rack and pinion steering, then there's the guy at the alignment shop that always seems willing to help.

[1st Gen]

http://www.carsteering.com/partview/Mazda/Protege/Power_Steering_Rack/80~00740_R.html

Hail the mighty Google

[1st Gen]

Wheel alignment specs
Mazda
323 and Protege1990-1994 front 2wd
Caster 1.90 degrees
Camber -0.10 degrees
Toe-in 3/32"
4WD
Caster 2.56 degrees
Camber -0.75 degrees
Toe-in 3/32"
rear
Camber -0.33 degrees
Toe-in 3/32"

Don't know if I'll ever find this useful but here it is in any case.

[MazdaNoob]

iirc the 4wd rack is different from the fwd .. or is it the same and simply mounted different .. and LOL @ the pic "This is an exact* picture of your part. We do not use generic pictures. Our cataloging team is the best in the industry and it ensures that you get the right part, the first time." and then in the pic itself ..." this picture is an example. your part will look different "

[1st Gen]

Yea they're different. Dealership is closed today and tomorrow so no love from them. Costless doesn't even have information about 4wd steering rack outside of reman($450+core). They did suggest that I pull the rack out and attempt to match the seals individually. Hmmm. Maybe I'll give that a shot but not yet. There's still more leg work to do.

Lol @ the pic ----
That's a great deal on this assembly but I can't help but feel it's made out of plastic. I'd probably be better trying to build one myself.

[Damkid]

I have an AWD steering rack in my garage.... But I gotta double check if it's spoken for though

[DuRWooD]

Is the 4WD BF rack much different than the BG?

[1st Gen]

I've seen this question before but have no answer. I don't think there are many if any part that are interchangeable between the BF and BG, let alone the 4wd BG. I have no reason to think the steering rack would be pnp between the models. If someone has an answer, please chime in.

Edit-808 wrote "You'd be surprised at the similarities between the bf gtx and the bg 4wd pro... "

[jay]

I cant be sure but i think they are interchangeable.

[1st Gen]

That would might make them easier to get. Not sure. Anyone willing to do a comparison?
I'll do a part number comparison when the dealership opens on Tues. If they are the same, then a kit might be easier to get. We'll see.

Edit-It looks like Rockauto carries the BF 4wd turbo pinion seal kit. FWIW-it is different from the BG FWD kit.

[1st Gen]

http://www.wihandyman.com/forum/showthread.php?57171-What-did-you-find-Grass-Hopper&p=749405#post749405

The last diagram is from my 4WD shop manual and is just for reference. The first two are from the dealership.
There is a part number for the 4WD steering rack kit (32-180A) but it's not being offered. There is nothing being offered for the BF 323 4wd.
He suggested I order the parts individually which may be my eventual course of action.

I forgot to ask if the FWD kit was the same part number. Doh!

[Rivet]

The AWD PS rack is completly different from the 2wd racks. The biggest difference is the mounting point, there is a 45 degree "ramp" on the left side mount. You can get a seal kit for the AWD, but I highly advise against it. You'll need a ton of special tools that are no longer available. I was also unable to sourse bearings (mine where a bit rough); you can get the right diameters but not the correct thickness. I pulled mine apart and I tried using some special tools that where "close", but not close enough and I make a big mess of it. My rack could still be repaired, but the costs where starting to add up to more than the cost of a reman. If you can get a reman unit for $450; go for it, you'll be money ahead in the long run. I decided to convet to Manual with a rack from a 323DX; it is a ton lighter, but there is still some fab work to be done.

[1st Gen]

What's stopping me from converting to manual steering is that I've been driving it with what ever fluid hasn't leaked out yet with no power assist and I hate it. If dedicated manual was better/easier, I'd be willing to give it a shot.

[Damkid]

A manual rack is way easier to steer compared to a "de-powered" power steering rack

[me109]

There was no manual 4wd rack as far as I'm aware.