I fitted a new O/S steering rack gaiter to my Traveller last week and filled the rack with EP90. I'd previously been putting grease in the rack, as recommend by some. I saw when I took the gaiter off that there was no trace of grease at that end of the rack, meaning it had been running completely dry. I'd done my best when greasing it to put in grease at full lock in both directions to try and maximise the coverage but there was none at all. I got the oil in by filling a normal oil can and slipping the spout under the end of the new gaiter before tightening it up. I then pumped in about a pint of EP90 and fixed the end of the gaiter. The difference was amazing! The rack stopped rattling and the steering was loads lighter and smoother. I can't believe I'd been putting grease in before!
An even bigger difference came yesterday when I had four new tyres fitted, Bridgestone 145s. I couldn't believe the difference when I picked it up, it was like they'd fitted power steering to the car! The old tyres were perishing, had cracked side walls and a couple had tubes in them.
Together, the oil in the rack and the new tyres have transformed the car. It's so much nicer to drive now! The steering is extremely light, accurate and smooth, the road noise is reduced and the car just feels a lot more solid on the road.
I was so impressed I just thought I'd share my experience in case anyone is in a similar position, choosing new tyres or deciding on oil vs grease
James