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5X Racing 1990-1997 Mazda Miata Steering Rack Spacer Kit

Miata Steering Rack Spacers

20164893 - 5XRNASRS
  • Kit includes 2 rack spacers and all hardware needed to install onto existing subframe. No modifications needed
  • Fits all 1990-1997 Mazda Miata's. Will NOT fit 1999-2005 Miata's
  • Raises steering rack mounted height to reduce bumpsteer on extremely lowered cars. Designed for racecars, however a great addition to a lowered street car to correct suspension geometry
  • Made in the US out of high-grade billet aluminum
  • 1/2" thick to comply with the Spec Miata rule 16.3 (see below)
  • Availability: Normally in-stock
    Pricing: $75.00
    5 5 7
    Qty:

    Description

    We've had a prototype version of these rack spacers on our racecars for years. They've seen the likes of about 5 seasons of Spec Miata racing here in Florida and have never missed a beat, and have even withstood several subframe bending collisions with Sebring's famous walls! We originally built these spacers when the NASA Spec Miata rules began allowing the "shims". The rules read: "Steering rack on 1990-97 cars may be shimmed between the rack and subframe at its two mounting locations. Each rack mount utilizes two bolts; both bolts must pass through each shim at that location. Shims must be the same dimensions and be made from aluminum or steel. Total thickness of shims can not exceed 12.70mm (0.50 inch) in thinness/width". This rule was created to help provide the NA Miata's (90-97) improve their suspension geometry to help equalize them to the superior NB chassis, which has a revised front subframe and steering rack location. Basically, the rack spacers help alleviate "bump steer"

    Bump Steer is when your wheels steer themselves without input from the steering wheel. The undesirable steering is caused by bumps in the track interacting with improper length or angle of your suspension and steering linkages. See more about the topic here: http://www.longacreracing.com/technical-articles.aspx?item=8162

    While a comprehensive lesson on bumpsteer is beyond the interest level of this product explanation, basically what these rack spacers do is raise the steering rack 1/2" higher on the subframe to reposition the rack higher, therefore correcting the angle of the steering tie-rods on a car that has been lowered. When a car is lowered, the wheel spindle height does not change, but the chassis height does and causes the angle of the steering tie-rods to point up-wards as the chassis is now in a new lower location compared to the spindle steering tie-rod mounting location. When the chassis sees suspension travel from bumps, the tie-rods will "pull" in the wheel spindle, causing "bump steer" (bumpsteer). Bumpsteer is effectively toeing in the front wheels and causing alignment changes, which is not ideal for a racing vehicle. By spacing the rack higher, you now level out the steering tie-rods and help return them closer to the angle in which they were from the factory.

    Details

    Shipping Information

    • Item Requires Shipping
    • 1.0 lbs.
    • W6.0000” x H2.0000” x L10.0000”

    Customer Reviews

    Comment Total Reviews (3)

    Made a world of difference
    • Currently 5/5 Stars

    Reviewed by:

    Product ownership: Less than 1 month

    Purchased from: 5X Racing

    Comments:
    I guess I never realized how much bump steering I was getting until I installed these. I'm not "slammed" by any means but low enough that the tie rod angle was not ideal. The difference in overall feel & steadiness is well worth the cost of these spacers. I also replaced my rack bushings with new poly units which I'd highly recommend as you're already right there & they probably need replaced anyways. The spacers themselves are very high quality, come with new bolts & washers, & ships fast. I can't say enough positive things about them!

    Good addition
    • Currently 5/5 Stars

    Reviewed by:

    Product ownership: A year or longer

    Purchased from: 5X Racing

    Comments:
    I have installed these on two dual-purpose cars (street and track). Bump steer is greatly reduced, very much worth the investment!

    If you car has AC, the rear left bolt can be difficult to line up and thread. I suggest raising the engine a little with a floor jack and a block of wood under the oil pan.

    The round holes in the spacers should face the front, the oblong holes towards the back.

    WOW!
    • Currently 5/5 Stars

    Reviewed by:

    Product ownership: Less than 1 month

    Purchased from: 5X Racing

    Comments:
    Amazing product. Highly recommend this, made a SUBSTANTIAL improvement in my car. Worth every penny and more.

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