Hi all,
I need to refil the steering rack with grease, which type is ok, general grease or specialist stuff?? I have noticed a plastic cap nut on one end to pump stuff in !!
Graham
Grease For Steering Rack
Started by
grahama
, Jun 28 2012 10:05 PM
6 replies to this topic
#1
grahama
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Posted 28 June 2012 - 10:05 PM
#2
mini13
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Posted 28 June 2012 - 11:12 PM
use oil, ep90 or ep 120 if you can find it,
#3
grahama
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Posted 29 June 2012 - 06:29 AM
Mine has a thick standard grease inside, not an oil, is the 90/120 gear oil a thick one or is it runny and the rack just filled up with it??
Graham
Graham
#4
dklawson
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Posted 29 June 2012 - 12:36 PM
The larger the number of the oil, the thicker/heavier it will be.
I have an acquaintance in Oz who frequently posts on boards about the change from oil to grease in steering racks. According to his experience (and others in Oz) the oil actually works better at lubing and extending the life of the rack. However, oil is only a good lubricant when the gaiters are intact without holes, tears, or other leak paths that let it drain away. Supposedly that's why the factory changed to grease as while it is a less effective lube, it stays put when the seals disintegrate. My Mk1 currently has 90W gear oil in the rack and fortunately no leaks.
The rack isn't exactly "full" of oil. I would have to refer to the early Haynes manual to find the value but a specific volume of oil is added to each gaiter before it is closed/secured closed to the tie rod.
I have an acquaintance in Oz who frequently posts on boards about the change from oil to grease in steering racks. According to his experience (and others in Oz) the oil actually works better at lubing and extending the life of the rack. However, oil is only a good lubricant when the gaiters are intact without holes, tears, or other leak paths that let it drain away. Supposedly that's why the factory changed to grease as while it is a less effective lube, it stays put when the seals disintegrate. My Mk1 currently has 90W gear oil in the rack and fortunately no leaks.
The rack isn't exactly "full" of oil. I would have to refer to the early Haynes manual to find the value but a specific volume of oil is added to each gaiter before it is closed/secured closed to the tie rod.
#5
bmcecosse
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Posted 29 June 2012 - 12:49 PM
Use Moly grease - it doesn't run away and hide in the boots........
#6
grahama
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Posted 29 June 2012 - 07:40 PM
Ok, think I will stick with the grease as it is in there now. Racks are cheap enough to buy seccond hand and would prefer it on the gear not in the boots.
Thank, great info as ever fellas,
Graham
Thank, great info as ever fellas,
Graham
#7
dklawson
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Posted 30 June 2012 - 12:34 AM
Well... the oil being in the boots is not a problem. When you turn left and right the oil is pushed into and out of the rack which is why it does a better job of lubing the gear/rack than grease which gets pushed out of the contact area never to return. However, if the boot tears or gets a hole, with oil you need to repair it quickly. Grease is certainly easier, just not necessarily better.
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