What a difference a little lube makes!

[robedney]

I have this whole list of little things to do once the big things are under control. After driving Mildred for a week or so I got to one of the little things -- lubing the steering box. The BMC manual told me how and where -- with an oil gun and 90 weight. Who has an oil gun with a zerk fitting??? Thanks to this invaluable forum and the search function I was able to determine that a fair number of folks just lube the box with grease -- not 90 weight. So, I popped out the plug in the firewall and had a look. It appeared (the zerk) to be untouched -- perhaps for decades. I cleaned up the fitting and pumped in 8 good levers of grease -- and she's a new car! Steering is light and easy. I love small investments of time with big returns in driving -- makes me feel like I've done something.

Here's a question: How important is it the the gaiters be intact on the rack? Mine are split -- and I've added it to the to order and to-do list, but at what priority?

[bmcecosse]

Yes - grease is fine - there will be a flood of detractors now, but all similar design racks specify grease, it stays in place rather than run away into the gaiters.... And yes - the gaiters MUST be sealed to keep the crap out. It's the same rack as an MG Midget (but turned upside down) if that helps to get spares locally.......

[mogbob]

Make sure all the old oil /grease ...and especially the dirt...is removed, before fitting the new boots.Dirt /grit is the enemy so make sure it is spotless.Degreaser or Meths sprayed on ( paper underneath to catch the rubbish ) and an old paintbrush will work wonders.
Bob

[ZetecVan 2.0]

It's amazing what a little thing like that can do. I recently replaced the throttle cable on my 1987 E30 BMW and that has transformed it no end.

[Fingolfin]

Mog needed new gaiters too, and I just ordered new ones from ESM or Bully. About $15 including shipping for two, so not terrible. You'll probably need new hose clips, but those are available at any auto parts store.