Morris Minor Owners Club

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?

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.......

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

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.

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.