Has anyone noticed if the steering wheel center line is offset from the seat's center line? The 2nd gen RX-7 has the steering wheel about 20mm to the left of the center-line of the seat. I'm not sure what the long-term ramifications of that are (I've been driving it for 17 years and don't have any serious problems), but as I get older I feel more uncomfortable not having the steering wheel directly in front of me. I know there is a TSB on the RX-7 regarding this issue, but I don't know what it says. I really hope the RX-8 is 'on center'.

hmmmmmmm kinda wierd, anyone wanna clarify this?

and WHY it is on the 7?
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Wow! 20mm. That's less than an inch. To be exact, .787 inches. Somebody has too much time on their hands.

Originally posted by RX-8 Zoomster
Wow! 20mm. That's less than an inch. To be exact, .787 inches. Somebody has too much time on their hands. Even at less than an inch, you do notice it.

---jps

Interestingly enough, the TSB was not issued until '98. The TSB number is listed below. I always wondered if there there was legal action taken against Mazda for possible back or joint problems related to the offset. I don't understand why a TSB would be issued since there is no way to correct a design decision. If anyone has access to TSB details, please post.


N00198 APR 98 Steering Wheel - Slightly Off Center.


.78 inches doesn't sound like much, and it never bothered me when I was in my 20's and 30's. Now the joints are a little stiffer, and I can very easily tell that the wheel is off-center. I do still love my car, though, don't get me wrong.

Originally posted by khoney
.78 inches doesn't sound like much, and it never bothered me when I was in my 20's and 30's. Now the joints are a little stiffer, and I can very easily tell that the wheel is off-center. I do still love my car, though, don't get me wrong.

I stand corrected. I wouldn't think that it would make that big of difference, but obviously, to some, it does and probably have the same affect on me since I'm at the age of occasional stiff joints ;)

I have no doubt you love your car. Something like that wouldn't be enough for me to hate a 2nd gen RX-7 either.

How odd - this is the first I've heard of this, and I never noticed it on my '91 after 2 years driving it.

I'd be very interested to hear if anyone can find anything on this from the specs. I "feel" the wheel is slightly offset towards the centreline of the car but really can't be sure. Would be interesting to know if it is or if I'm mad! :)

just tie a plumb bob to the centerline of your steering wheel and see if it drops to the centerline of your seat and then let us know;)

Wow. After 8 years of driving this car, I've never noticed. Maybe like khoney said, I didn't notice since I've been driving this car in my teens and 20's. I'll have to check this out when I get home with a plumb bob.

Are the pedals also offset? If they were then it might be preferable to offset the steering wheel slightly in the same direction to keep it in the same vertical plane as the pedals. By the way, what's a TSB?

Technical Service Bulletin.