How much oil shoudl there be in the steering rack?

Post by **moggiesgalore** » Sat Sep 15, 2007 6:21 pm

Have just replaced the rack on my '69 mog. Maybe I haven't looked through the manual properly, but can't find a capacity for the oil in the rack. I know it mentions a 'few strokes' of oil when servicing but does anyone know how much from dry?

I've already put some in with a few syringe-fulls through the end of the rubber boot but wonder if it could do with some more yet...

Cheers.

Post by **MoggyTech** » Sat Sep 15, 2007 6:28 pm

From dry use 10 Fluid Ounces of Hypoid. I think that's about 2/3 of a pint give or take.

Post by **youngun** » Sat Sep 15, 2007 6:59 pm

My manual states 3/4 of a pint of Hypoid from dry.

Post by **bmcecosse** » Sat Sep 15, 2007 7:57 pm

Better with grease - we've had this discussion recently on here. At least it doesn't run out! But the oil you have added will be fine - it's hardly a critical issue.

Post by **MoggyTech** » Sat Sep 15, 2007 8:48 pm

bmcecosse wrote:Better with grease - we've had this discussion recently on here. At least it doesn't run out! But the oil you have added will be fine - it's hardly a critical issue.

I agree, I think Moly based grease is a better option for the steering rack.
Getting a cheap grease gun to hold hypoid is near impossible, and it stinks the workshop when it leaks.

The only slight problem with grease, is it can 'mask' steering pinion to rack 'slop' (it rattles with hypoid in it) so you might not know when it's time to adjust the pinion. But all things being equal, it's easier to use grease, with no negative effect on the rack.

Post by **les** » Sat Sep 15, 2007 10:54 pm

When people suggest certain things are better than the manufacturer specifies, I am always left wondering why they never thought of it.

Post by **MoggyTech** » Sun Sep 16, 2007 1:05 am

les wrote:When people suggest certain things are better than the manufacturer specifies, I am always left wondering why they never thought of it.

Understood, but I cannot for the life of me figure out why BMC used Hypoid in a rack and pinion steering system. Later racks are almost identical in design, and they use Moly Grease. The only thing I can think of, is the steering might be a tad lighter if you use Hypoid.

Post by **wanderinstar** » Sun Sep 16, 2007 7:55 am

Les, your comment brings this nagging question to the fore again.
Both Minors and Triumph heralds use trunnion for lower front suspension. Minors, as we all know use grease, but Heralds use, so I am led to believe, oil. Does anyone know why?

Post by **les** » Sun Sep 16, 2007 9:30 pm

I didn't/don't know about the herald suspension, but if the bottom trunnion is the same as the minor, how does the oil stay in?

Post by **youngun** » Mon Sep 17, 2007 7:01 pm

[quote="MoggyTech"
Getting a cheap grease gun to hold hypoid is near impossible, and it stinks the workshop when it leaks.

Damn right, when we split the gearbox from the Javelin engine the other day a load of hypoid that had found its way into the bellhousing leaked out....hell of a smell!

Post by **ferny** » Mon Feb 18, 2008 10:17 am

Sorry for bumping an old thread. It came up as a result in a search. I was actually looking to double-check which oil to use in the trunnions.

It's the same for Herald's, Spitfire's, Vitesse's, GT6's, etc.,etc.. If you use grease in the trunnion it can go hard from the heat and it can also leave air pockets which means there is no lubrication. Oil doesn't go hard and always moves about.

It's a good job I checked or the moggy would be getting EP90 as well. ;)

Post by **chickenjohn** » Mon Feb 18, 2008 10:36 am

Yes. grease the moggies trunnions, and oil the steering rack!