steering rack

[rein]

Hi all,

I am puzzled by the fact that I never had this problem before.
The steering rack nipple on both my van and saloon are in an angle. They are both straight nipples, but the steering rack configuration is such that the nipple is on an angle when the rack is in the car. I am not able to get the pump nozzle straight on the nipple. When I want to press some oil in the rack with a grease pump it all spills on the ground and not much oil gets in the rack. Am I missing something? Is there a modification like perhaps using an angled nipple?

Rein

[Kevin]

Check that the nipples arent blocked.

[rein]

In order to do that I need to take the steering rack out because I can't see anything unusual when I look at the nipple through the floor hole. I also can't take the nipple out because of this angle.
Perhaps I will take the rack out. But I would like to know what I am looking for before I do this. I have a spare rack that I can study before I take it out of the car.

Rein

[bmcecosse]

Just keep trying - many use grease instead of oil - the Mini has exactly the same design of rack and grease is specified for it!! It's a fairly major job to take the rack out - not worth it just for this problem.

[Willie]

I've posted it many times but here again. If you are having trouble getting any sort of lubricant through a nipple then cut an old cotton shirt
into 2" squares and place a piece between the nipple and the grease gun and press hard. this will usually prevent the lubricant from escaping around the sides but if not then try two pieces!

[bmcecosse]

Or - you can maybe squiggle the spout of an oil can into the rubber boot at one end - and squirt some oil in that way.

[Roni]

That idea works well, I was taught that by and old mechanic.

[rein]

Thanks guys.
These tips will save me a lot of time!

Rein