Steering Rack Oil/Grease question

[David53]

Heading off on a 1,000 mile trek around NSW here in Australia next week to test out the car. A bit scary but hopefully things will be OK!

I gave her a full service today, oil change, greasing etc. When it came to the steering rack I elected to use HP90 oil as per the manual and used a small oil gun which works perfectly. I gave it 10 squirts as per manual and then one or two more as I cannot for the life of me what i did when I reassembled the rack 5 years ago. I suspect I left it dry but I cannot recall, just too long ago. If I did would 10 squirts of HP90 be enough or should I use more? How can you tell if you've overfilled it apart from having oil leak from the boots?

[bmcecosse]

It fills the boots - and leaks out. That's the advantage of grease - it doesn't leak, and it quietens any odd rattles. Can't comment on your 'squirts' - was each squirt a litre - or just 1cc ?

[mike.perry]

That's what I call a test run. Best of luck.
I've never managed to get the oil in my steering rack so I pump grease in. I haven't a clue how much grease it will take.

[carlosramalho]

I need a Help for this matter!!!
As you know I have 3 Morris Minor, 1 MM 1949, 1 Traveller 1964 and a convertible 1969.
The question is where is the point to grease the steering rack, I think in some where around the steering collunm, but i can found.Can you help me ??
thanks and regards
carlos

[mike.perry]

Lift up the carpet on the passenger side and there should be a rubber grommet opposite the steering column. Obviously this will be on the left on a RHD car and visa versa.
There is a grease nipple underneath.

[David53]

One "squirt" = one push of the oil gun, so 10 suirts would be not a lot of oil. Enough for a top up as per the manual but perhaps not if the rack was dry.

I think I will try pumping some grease in as well just to be safe. I am curious though - as the greasing nipple is on the opposite side of the car to the rack how does the grease get across to the actual rack part of the system???

[bmcecosse]

You crank the rack right over to that side -pump in grease - crank the rack back over and it takes the grease with it.

[David53]

OK so turn wheels hard right then?

[bmcecosse]

For your RHD car - yes!

[David53]

Thanks for the tips. Will pump a good quantity of grease in. Cheers

[bmcecosse]

Don't go mad! Just a few squirts will be fine.

[carlosramalho]

Hi Michael
Once again thanks for your support finaly I found the the grease nipple of stering rack.
Regards
carlos

[Pyoor_Kate]

I have to say I've never seen the problem with sticking EP90 as the manual states. Granted I forked out a fiver for a second (not particularly good quality) grease-gun which gets used for this one job (EP90 in gun, 10 squirts, EP90 back in container, wipe down outside of gun, stick back in bin-bag in toolbox).

[dp]

On another thread there was talk about the gaitors not lasting too long these days. It got me wondering whether either oil or grease is somehow more corrosive to the rubber.

I'll be doing this job myself soon but will be taking the rack out since the engine isn't there.

[wonnk]

I found this off a Morris Minor site referring to the 12 grease nipples on a Morris Minor last one talked about the Steering rack

"Number 12 is on the steering rack and before you go under the car looking for it, access is by a rubber grommet in the passenger foot well. Rover agents happily squirt grease in, I’m afraid. You’ll need a clean grease gun filled with hypoid 140. But how do you know whether it needs more oil, as too much will split the boots? Easy, undo one of the clips of the boot near the track rod end and free the rubber as it fits around the track rod. Apply the oil slowly, (cup of tea time.) until it drips out. This brings your oil level up to about the half pint which is what it takes. Reseal the boot with a tie wrap. One further little tip, smear all the nipples well with surplus grease after you’ve done them and this will keep the rust at bay for next time."

[bmcecosse]

Just use grease - much better, less messy - and is what was specified for later cars using very similar design rack to the Minor. I guess the penny finally dropped - that oil is messy, and runs away and hides in the boots!

[Nickol]

When I did my LHD conversion, I had to purchase a new steering rack. These new ones are made and said to be sealed for life and therefore do not have a grease/oil nipple. Time will tell if it gives any Problems.

As an aside, I have the old RHD steering rack Surplus. It Looks a bit manky and has no swivel Joints but worked fine before. If anybody needs one, they can have it for the cost of postage only - but please 'cos you need one and not just to sell it off.

[bmcecosse]

That rack will also suit a LHD Spridget. So you may get a 'sale' if you advertise it locally.

[Nickol]

Yes I know - but am not really bothered about selling it but rather someone having it who really Needs one. Then again, how often do they go wrong?

[bmcecosse]

Carriage to the UK won't be cheap - you may find a local Spridget owner - lot less hassle.