Page 1 of 1

Steering box

Posted: Thu Mar 31, 2011 4:53 pm
by astronut
Hi all, slowly restoring a 1972 Traveller, have had to replace the steering rack gaiters and track rod ends but not sure how to top up the rack and pinion box as it is buried under the bulkhead. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

Re: Steering box

Posted: Thu Mar 31, 2011 4:56 pm
by chrisryder
there should be a small hole where the passengers feet rest. with a bung about 1 inch in diameter. you'll find a nipple under there. some use oil, some use grease.

let the debate about what to put in commence.

Re: Steering box

Posted: Thu Mar 31, 2011 6:25 pm
by Fingolfin
Oh, let it not. We've been through that one too many times. :D I use grease, not for any particular reason other than I don't know where one would get an oil gun, and I already owned a grease gun.

Re: Steering box

Posted: Thu Mar 31, 2011 6:32 pm
by chrisryder
I use grease as well, forgot to mention that!

Re: Steering box

Posted: Thu Mar 31, 2011 8:15 pm
by bmcecosse
I use MOLY grease - best by far.

Re: Steering box

Posted: Thu Mar 31, 2011 9:24 pm
by mike.perry
The rubber bung is where the steering column would be on a LHD car. I use grease.
Grease 4, Oil 0

Re: Steering box

Posted: Thu Mar 31, 2011 9:26 pm
by chrisryder
mike.perry wrote:Grease 4, Oil 0
Chickenjohn will be along to say 'Oil' 5 times, don't you worry! :lol:

Re: Steering box

Posted: Thu Mar 31, 2011 11:07 pm
by Fingolfin
"The rubber bung is where the steering column would be on a LHD car."

No it's not, Mike -- it's where the steering column would be on a RHD car!!! :lol: :lol:

Re: Steering box

Posted: Fri Apr 01, 2011 10:02 am
by mike.perry
:-? :)

Re: Steering box

Posted: Fri Apr 01, 2011 7:37 pm
by MarkyB
I have a spare gun and use oil, like the book says.
It isn't a religious thing though, I'll whack some grease in too although I feel it's less likely to spread to the whole rack and so wouldn't be happy using grease alone.

The reason for changing to grease on Minis may well have been to simplify servicing, only one tool and one consumable needed, rather for any sound engineering reason.

Steering racks are hardly a high wear item, so the debate can run and run :) .

Re: Steering box

Posted: Sat Apr 02, 2011 10:34 pm
by astronut
Many thanks for advice guys, have now located said hole.

Cheers

Re: Steering box

Posted: Sun Apr 03, 2011 6:12 pm
by dalebrignall
i use grease not had any problems .