Steer it up!

[markattard]

While fixing a new steering rack to Lucy, I've got into the dilemma of filling up the rack with grease or oil or both. I know that I should use oil (presumably EP 80-90) but some argue that grease would also do.

Inadverently, I already put some grease in, which went to one side only, Should I now pump some oil or should I start over with oil only?

Regards

M

[Kevin]

I know that I should use oil (presumably EP 80-90) but some argue that grease would also do.

Well I have never been told to use grease only oil and all the books agree with that, who suggested grease.

[markattard]

I searched the forum and got into this topic

http://www.morrisminoroc.co.uk/index.ph ... eering+oil

I'm afraid oil is more likely to leak out of the rack so greasing could be a better idea, however I agree with you that all the manuals recommend oil.

What's best in your opinion?

[chickenjohn]

Put oil in there. EP90. To save filling a grease gun with oil, I undo the nipple on top of the rack and add oil to the hole via an oil can. It says 20 strokes, so I give it 20 squirts.

[markattard]

I assume no damage done if I leave some grese in ?

[bmcecosse]

The Mini rack which is identical design (just slightly smaller) is lubricated with grease - the later thinking being that it won't run out and leave NO lubrication. So your combination of grease +EP90 will be ideal!

[markattard]

The Mini rack which is identical design (just slightly smaller) is lubricated with grease - the later thinking being that it won't run out and leave NO lubrication. So your combination of grease +EP90 will be ideal!

I fully agree with you, my old steering rack was filled with oil from the outside, but not much left on the inside!

[Orkney]

Whats the capacity anyone know? Bought a Chinese imported flatpack tractor a few years ago (incidentally an AMAZING thing - just about to get a bigger HP one).
As it was all new and not greatly finished the gearbox was really noisy - felt sharp. Bought a tub of some Molyslip esque gearbox additive from the local factors, drained the box oil, put in this stuff and topped it with the correct oil.
The difference was immediate, quietened it down a treat.
If memory serves correctly it was a very syrupy just about a liquid type thing - and Lord was it sticky !
Wonder if it might not be the perfect thing for steering rack? it wont leak out but will stick to the teeth and cogs giving a silky smooth movement - in fact convinced myself already so will try it this weekend and let you know !

[Kevin]

What's best in your opinion?

The correct oil

some argue that grease would also do.

Only one

[Packedup]

The recon rack I bought had grease in it. Well, a smear of grease. Just enough to see it was grease, and it was in it really. I'm glad I checked as grease or oil, there still needs to be more than the slightest trace amount to ease assembly!

Grease won't run out and should be fine so long as it goes where it's needed. The problem, so far as I've been able to find out, is grease simply doesn't flow around to all the areas of surface contact whereas oil does.

Personally I don't see a problem using a split of grease/ oil, worst case is the oil will leak out and the grease will cause a tiny amount more drag.

[bmcecosse]

Only Millions of Minis confirm the opinion that grease will be fine !

[minor_hickup]

I used grease on my old rack, made it slightly less rattly and it leaked less. When I removed it i found the grease had worked its way all over the rack, no problems there.

[markattard]

I really think that oil in the steering rack is an old idea which was superceeded by the greasing idea. But that is my opinion only....

[chickenjohn]

I think its far better to some lubricant in the rack rather than let it go dry. Oil or grease or both.