LUBRICATING STREERING RACK

[neil4030]

Does anyone know what tool to use to oil the steering rack? As you all know, the nipple is the same as all the other grease points but a grease gun won't take hypoid oil? I assume there is a delivery system out there somewhere that can hold oil and connect to the nipple? I did think of 'cobbling it together' with an old grease gun and gaffer tape but if there is something better out there; I would really like to know.

[JOWETTJAVELIN]

Opinion is divided on this one: some say use oil, others grease.

Personally I use grease as it won't run and leak (plus you don't get the mess of filling and cleaning the gun). 10 strokes of the grease gun with regular LM grease is fine.

[liammonty]

A grease gun WILL take hypoid oil- yes, it's messy, but that's the way to get oil into the rack. Best / easiest to have an old one dedicated to this job- I've got an old one from a car boot sale that I use for it. As Mr Javelin says, it's a messy job changing from grease to oil, and vice versa in the grease gun!

[bmcecosse]

Moly grease in the grease gun works well - doesn't run away and hide in the boots........... Howls of protest will now follow - as usual........

[liammonty]

I'm sure oil or grease is great- as long as there's something slippery in the rack! As has been said, at least the grease doesn't run out as soon as a boot splits...

[JOWETTJAVELIN]

Indeed, whichever is used, adequate lubrication is the main thing.

[MarkyB]

At least we can all agree on that much.
Turning the steering from lock to lock will help both oil and grease get to the site of the action too.

[Trickydicky]

Put a bit of both in, at least then your covering both bases.......

[les]

I'll consult the official manual and do as that says!

[bmcecosse]

It's 60 years out of date with modern thinking..........

[lambrettalad]

I always use grease it stays around doing it's job longer

[les]

'Modern thinking' love it. 60 years of oiling racks, then someone saves the day by thinking modern.

[bmcecosse]

If you are going to slavishly follow the Manual - then it will be SAE 30 in the engine, and watch out on these 5.00 X 14 crossplies!

[neil4030]

Many thanks everyone I will go with grease.

[bmcecosse]

Moly grease is good for everything on the Minor......

[dp]

I used to have an Enfield motorbike - for the gearbox in that you were supposed to mix grease and oil to get an oily greasy mess that wouldn't weep through the bearings. Perhaps a bit of grease with the oil in the grease gun will make it a bit thicker and less leaky...

[MarkyB]

True, I've got an Enfield Bullet too and that's just what the manual says.
Lubrication is the main thing, mixing both won't hurt at all.