Steering dampers

Post by **markattard** » Thu Aug 09, 2007 10:17 pm

Thought I'd learn something new today.....

Could someone pl explain the function of the dampers in the steering rack ?

Post by **minor_hickup** » Thu Aug 09, 2007 10:22 pm

To stop the rack rattling about i believe.

Post by **bmcecosse** » Fri Aug 10, 2007 12:17 am

Not really a 'damper' as such - just a little spring loaded pad - which as above, stops it rattling too much!

Post by **markattard** » Fri Aug 10, 2007 9:42 am

Since the oil in the steering rack settles at the lower most point, does this mean that it finally goes to the bellows on both sides?

Post by **bigginger** » Fri Aug 10, 2007 10:27 am

It does - whether it's *meant* to or not, I dunno, but it does

Post by **markattard** » Fri Aug 10, 2007 10:52 am

I think that proves the point that grease is somehow a better idea.... ok..ok some people prefer to do i the original way...

Post by **bigginger** » Fri Aug 10, 2007 11:07 am

The grease would end up in the same place...

Post by **bmcecosse** » Fri Aug 10, 2007 11:19 am

Bit more 'sticky' - so stays where it matters! Hence the exact same design of rack used in the Mini has always been specified to be greased.

Post by **Kevin** » Fri Aug 10, 2007 12:50 pm

I think that proves the point that grease is somehow a better idea.... ok..ok some people prefer to do i the original way...

Its no so much the original way more a case of the way it was designed to work at its best, if the mini way was correct why wasnt it changed for the remaining 12 years of production it might have something to do with the driven wheels being at different ends on the cars.

Post by **bmcecosse** » Fri Aug 10, 2007 12:53 pm

Hmm - can't see why - same position on car, although suppose slightly more heat on the rack in the case of the Mini.

Post by **DaveC** » Fri Aug 10, 2007 1:02 pm

BTW...
I had a sticky rack in my Pug years ago, and fixed the problem by using molybendum grease (grey stuff) instead of standard grease. I understand that molybendum grease is specially formulated for sliding components such as racks and a lot 'thinner' than standard LM grease.

Post by **bmcecosse** » Fri Aug 10, 2007 8:44 pm

Aye - Moly grease is great stuff!