Steering rack nipple

Post by **iddy** » Sat Apr 22, 2006 5:31 pm

I've just spent a couple of hours changing one of the steering rack gaiters. When I try to fill the rack with oil I find the grease gun is too long - I've bought two grease guns, one smallish push type and a larger lever type which takes cartridges (both from Machine Mart).
Do I have to remove the parcel shelf to access it (or can I just fill it with grease?)

Thanks,
Idris.

Post by **wanderinstar** » Sat Apr 22, 2006 6:30 pm

NO NO you dont put grease in. I know its a grease nipple but you put gear oil in via a grease gun. I bought a little one at the National rally a few years back.
Ian.

Post by **bmcecosse** » Sat Apr 22, 2006 7:38 pm

But no great harm if you use grease - the Mini rack is exactly the same design as the Minor rack - and it uses grease. You need a cranked arm - or a flexi - on the grease gun - whether it's filled with oil or grease - or a 50/50 mix !

Post by **Rasputin** » Sat Apr 22, 2006 8:23 pm

Use EP90 as originally specified .

Post by **Willie** » Sat Apr 22, 2006 8:24 pm

It may help,if you cannot get your gun to aim straight down the the nipple,
if you place a piece of cotton shirt or similar between the nipple and the
gun which usually gives a leak proof connection.

Post by **iddy** » Sun Apr 23, 2006 11:42 am

OK, I'll try the cotton shirt idea.
I've tried pulling the clips off the parcel shelf, but they are very stubborn and if I pull any harder I think they will probably be unusable. I've looked on ESM website but can't see any of these clips, so don't want to be too hasty.

Idris.

Post by **aupickup** » Sun Apr 23, 2006 11:50 am

what clips are you talking about.
if all else fails then get a flexible pipe for your grease gun, thats what i use and it works all the time

Post by **iddy** » Sun Apr 23, 2006 12:01 pm

I've got a flexible pipe, but it's on a lever type gun which takes cartridges. This means there is a small gap around the seal for the cartridge to fit, so if I put oil in it will squirt out of the back end. My small (but too big ) push type doesn't have the ability to change pipes.
The clips are the ones that hold the rear of the shelf against the bulkhead.
Thanks.

Post by **aupickup** » Sun Apr 23, 2006 12:42 pm

ah yes i know the type of gun you mean, i use the smaller type that you load grease into, wanna sweden, they are just right.

the clips you mention, not sure what you mean as the back of the parcel shelf is fixed by rivets originally, well on the vans and pick ups

Post by **iddy** » Sun Apr 23, 2006 12:52 pm

I think I've managed to get some oil in using the cotton idea. Then it started coming out of the back end

I've also put some grease in for good measure.
I'll buy another gun and have done with it (any ideal guns anyone?)
The clips are very similar to the ones that hold the weather seal in place on the door/window, only bigger and with a small separate plate.
Thanks,
Idris.

Post by **Willie** » Sun Apr 23, 2006 4:03 pm

The small clips which you describe are the proper fitment and are extremely
fiddley to play around with. Must be worth looking out for a nice cranked
grease gun which will also inject oil, although the steering rack nipple is the
only one which requires oil.

Post by **aupickup** » Sun Apr 23, 2006 4:41 pm

the clips must be different to commercials, my van is original and that is with rivets and 2 washers

Post by **bmcecosse** » Sun Apr 23, 2006 6:26 pm

Just use grease - it's fine !

Post by **bigginger** » Sun Apr 23, 2006 8:01 pm

aupickup wrote:the clips must be different to commercials, my van is original and that is with rivets and 2 washers

I'd say so - I've seen all manner of bodges on the LCVs. but the original does seem to be the rivets

Post by **Wal** » Sun Apr 23, 2006 8:23 pm

Ok I know it's a sin and will probably be harangued for agreeing but I've also used grease in steering racks and it has made no difference at all. It reminds me of Triumph Spitfires that require you to use oil for the trunnions. Never made any difference on those either.

OOOpppps.

Regards,
Wal

Post by **chickenjohn** » Mon Apr 24, 2006 8:32 am

I simply unbolt the nipple (use a very small socket- cant remember the size) and squirt the ep90 oil in with a small oil can.

I found mine in the garage of my house when I moved in and like the one pictured, looks like a genie would come out if you rubbed it! ;)

Post by **Willie** » Mon Apr 24, 2006 11:20 am

Re that oil can, have you tried Viagra??

Post by **Cam** » Mon Apr 24, 2006 6:27 pm

I do the same as John, undo the nipple and use EP90 in a can.

If the racks are the same as the Mini (and I don't doubt it) I wonder why EP90 is specified for the Minor rack and grease for the Mini?

Post by **bmcecosse** » Mon Apr 24, 2006 7:14 pm

The design is the same - not the actual rack. I suppose there are quite enough leaks on a Mini without adding a dribbling rack !

Post by **Cam** » Mon Apr 24, 2006 7:15 pm

Yes, I was talking about the design. I wonder why the specs are different though if the design is the same? There must be a reason!