21 replies to this topic

[Jim Venable]

I knew I had one more question when I was on last night. Ageing deficiency I guess.

How much can the steering wheel shaft be lowered without affecting the geometry and steering if any?

Thanks

[dtfastbear]

I don't have the answer, but I'm also very interested to see what others know. I have an LS1 miata where we changed the angle of the shaft a fair amount. I've been struggling with very heavy steering with the car - tried different steering rack, greatly decreased caster, smaller tires, etc. Still super heavy. This car has a custom subframe to mount the LS1, so that could be an issue, but I've always suspected the steering shaft angle could contribute.

FWIW - I've driven other LS1 cars that don't have heavy steering, so don't say "it's the weight".

Looking forward to some input from the crowd.

Cheers,

Dean

[Alberto]

I knew I had one more question when I was on last night. Ageing deficiency I guess.

How much can the steering wheel shaft be lowered without affecting the geometry and steering if any?

Thanks

Are you trying to lower the steering wheel position in the car?

[Jim Venable]

Yes, we'd like to lower the steering wheel. Already have a smaller steering wheel.

[Jim Boemler]

Why would the steering shaft angle make the steering heavy, Dean? Unless the angle is so great that the U-joint starts to bind up (which seems unlikely), the angle of the shaft has no effect whatever on the steering geometry. BTW, if the U-joint does start to bind, I would expect it to happen only at particular wheel positions. That doesn't seem to be what you're describing.

[Alberto]

Yes, we'd like to lower the steering wheel. Already have a smaller steering wheel.

Ah. That's what I thought.
How far are you looking to lower it?

That won't have any affect on steering geometry. What affects steering geometry is the position of the rack on the subframe relative to the expected position of the tie rods on the spindles.

I've been looking at lowering mine also sit it is higher than I normally prefer. I'm running a Momo hub on my NRG Quick Disconnect and this positions the wheel 1-2" closer to me but in doing so raises the wheel position slightly higher. Gotta love geometrey.

The bolts that secure the steering column to the dash bar are pretty long iirc. I had thought of experimenting by using some washers to shim it down a 1/4" and see how I liked it but never got around to it.

[Keith Novak]

It's not legal for SM is it? Obviously Dean is a little bit outside SM, ITA or STU with his LS1 but for others I'd be sure you can before you do.

[Kevin Anderson]

Years ago with My 1990 I had a similar Heavy steering as Dean describes. I could not figure it out and anyone that drove my car or even reached inside noticed the wheel was difficult to turn.
But one day It was raining quite heavy and I disconnected the sway bars and ran the session. At some point I noticed how light the steering felt and thought it had something to do with the increase body sway. But the next day I had the swaybars hooked up and ran in dry as I always do but the steering was now light. I changed nothing.Problem solved itself.

I have no idea what happened, I installed the endlinks back without any adjustment

[Mike Collins]

Yes you can lower the steering column. You need some washers or spacers and longer 12mm bolts. Take the two 12mm bolts out, put longer ones in with spacers or washers and you are fixed. Yes it is that easy and yes, lots of SM cars have dome this.

[Rob Burgoon]

A small-ish change in tire pressures can make a big change in steering feel sometimes.

[KentCarter]

It's not legal for SM is it? Obviously Dean is a little bit outside SM, ITA or STU with his LS1 but for others I'd be sure you can before you do.

I guess it depends on how you interpret the GCR:
b. Any steering wheel, except wood rimmed types, and its required mounting modifications may be used. Any shift knob may be used.

[Sean - MiataCage]

It's not legal for SM is it? Obviously Dean is a little bit outside SM, ITA or STU with his LS1 but for others I'd be sure you can before you do.

s. Miscellaneous
1. The use of the following non-standard replacement parts is permitted provided the use does not result in any unauthorized modification of any other component.
a. Fasteners – nuts, bolts, screws, washers, studs, etc. (Head bolts, rod bolts, flywheel bolts, and crank pulley bolt must be used as provided by Mazda.)

That makes it legal in my book......

[Bench Racer]

SCCA GCR

Authorized Modifications

C. No components may be added or omited from those specificed by published factoty service procedures.

Please choose your choice of legality.

[Sean - MiataCage]

C. AUTHORIZED MODIFICATIONS
The following items represent the only modifications and safety items permitted and/or required on Spec Miata automobiles:

S falls after C in the SMCS section and is therefore a "following item" and therefore allows replacement of hardware and I would then argue legal.

[Sean - MiataCage]

SCCA GCR

Authorized Modifications

C. No components may be added or omited from those specificed by published factoty service procedures.

Please choose your choice of legality.

You also forgot the sentence before your posted area:


Assembly, rebuild, and refurbishment procedures, and all associated dimensions must adhere to the published factory service procedures, except as otherwise stated in these rules. No components may be added or omitted from those specified by the published factory service proce- dures. All components must be standard dimensions.

[Bench Racer]

As was stated in my previous post. "Please choose your choice of legality.

Some time back there was agreement on this site that inserting flat washers/shims/spacers under the anti roll bar bushing hangers was not legal. Anti roll bar bushing hangers/steering column braket washer/spacers, same church different pew.

[dstevens]

Dude.......You...... Are......Killin'.........Me...........

How is lowering your steering column the same as using washers to enhance the performance of the sway bar? What performance advantage is gained by lowering the column? Are you getting beat because the guy lowered his column?

[Jim Venable]

After thoughtful consideration and review I've decided to lower the right side and of the shaft and keep the left side in the stock position. Doing so will serve my intent for the steering shaft as well as allow a middle ground resolution for the varying rule interpretations?

Seriously. Thank you for all the responses and insight.

[Bench Racer]

Seriously. Thank you for all the responses and insight.

Jim, I have lowered my steering column. The point of my posts was what I understand the intent of the rules to be. Now the word "intent" should set off another round of BS.

[Jim Venable]

David,

I always find your post insightful and thoughtful. Perhaps it comes with aging and yes, I am in the upper catagory.