Disassembly and Assembly

Fig. 16 Disassembled view of power steering gear. 1986 B2000 & 1987-88 B2200 & B2600 (1984-85 RX-7 similar):

Gear Disassembly

1. Drain lubricant from gear, then secure gear in a suitable vise.
2. Remove pitman arm using puller No. 49 0223 695E or equivalent.
3. Loosen locknut, then remove side cover and sector shaft assembly, Fig. 16. Do not disassemble sector shaft.
4. Remove snap ring, then the valve and piston assembly. If necessary, remove piston by rotating worm shaft counterclockwise.
5. Remove lower, then the upper seal from gear housing.
6. Remove oil seal, bearing, sleeve, worm shaft and O-rings from valve housing, as required.
7. Remove and discard seal ring and O-ring from piston assembly.

Gear Assembly

1. Reverse disassembly procedure to assemble, noting the following:
a. Install upper housing seal with lip facing inward and lower seal with lip facing outward.
b. Apply clean power steering fluid to O-rings, seals and valve housing components prior to installation.
c. On 1984-85 RX-7, when installing worn shaft and piston, insert shaft into piston so two grooves are visible between valve housing and ball nut. Insert 22 balls into ball guide hole while turning shaft clockwise. Install 8 remaining balls into one side of guide and place opposite side of guide onto it, then secure ball guide to piston. Install polished and dark colored balls alternately.
d. On 1986 B2000 and 1987-88 B2200 and B2600, position worm shaft in center position, then set sector shaft adjusting screw so that worm shaft preload is 1.3-2 lbs. If specified preload is not obtained, disassemble gear box and check for dirt, damaged gears or defective oil seals.