19 replies to this topic

[Chris1992]

Hi guys. So my current issue at the moment is that my car seems to make what I can only describe as a creaking sound from the rack when I dry steer or maneuver at very low speeds, almost like I can feel it sticking slightly then releasing if that makes any sense. Once up to speed it doesn't do it, nor does it happen when the car is jacked up. 

 

The rack was brand new and has less than a few months of use. I've also checked the ball joints, track rod ends, U bolts, subframe mounts, Steering boss, and had the steering column off to inspect, but so far nothing has sorted it. Does the rack just need greasing? If so, how do I do that, as I can't see any grease nipples anywhere. 

 

As I said, the rack seems to be just fine, as just the smallest amount of movement on the steering wheel turns the wheels. I don't think this is a serious problem as nothing seems to have play, it's just a bit annoying! 

 

 

[nicklouse]

I would double check the steering column/rack alignment.

[Chris1992]

I would double check the steering column/rack alignment.

 

I remember making sure it was all aligned before tightening the U bolts, but I shall indeed double check it. Thanks for the suggestion mate. 

[panky]

Check the U bolts again, the rack could be moving slightly.

[hunterg30]

Make sure ball joints are well greased up

[Chris1992]

Make sure ball joints are well greased up

 

 

Check the U bolts again, the rack could be moving slightly.

 

Thanks for the suggestions guys. Checked and triple checked those things but all seems to be well in those departments. 

[minimans]

Check where the pinion comes through the floor for binding also if you have a felt or rubber washer there give it a bit of lubrication.

[Milton]

Worth checking the top turret mounts are not moving, they can creak and groan. When stationary get someone to turn the steering lock to lock while you put your hand on the turret bolts, if you feel movement then you need new top mounts.

[Spider]

The new racks seem to be greased and I suspect so they don't show leaks. I've found on stripping down any rack that was greased rather than filled with Oil wears real bad.

 

I know some have said it a no-no to put Oil in them if they have had grease and for many assemblies, I would agree, however the rack is such a low speed item that mixing Oil in with the grease, I feel will have little consequences other than to get proper lubrication in to the rack. The Oil will over time wash the grease away, but in doing so, won't leave it 'dry'.

 

All the factory manuals say 90 weight Oil for the rack Some take 200 ml and some of the early types take 300 ml. Don't over fill these as they will make an awful mess.

 

<EDIT: Just be sure that one of the bearings hasn't collapsed as they can make a noise similar to what you've described and yes, I do see that the rack if fairly new. >

Edited by Moke Spider, 10 October 2017 - 07:20 PM.

[Chris1992]

Worth checking the top turret mounts are not moving, they can creak and groan. When stationary get someone to turn the steering lock to lock while you put your hand on the turret bolts, if you feel movement then you need new top mounts.

 

 

The new racks seem to be greased and I suspect so they don't show leaks. I've found on stripping down any rack that was greased rather than filled with Oil wears real bad.

 

I know some have said it a no-no to put Oil in them if they have had grease and for many assemblies, I would agree, however the rack is such a low speed item that mixing Oil in with the grease, I feel will have little consequences other than to get proper lubrication in to the rack. The Oil will over time wash the grease away, but in doing so, won't leave it 'dry'.

 

All the factory manuals say 90 weight Oil for the rack Some take 200 ml and some of the early types take 300 ml. Don't over fill these as they will make an awful mess.

 

<EDIT: Just be sure that one of the bearings hasn't collapsed as they can make a noise similar to what you've described and yes, I do see that the rack if fairly new. >

 

Thanks again for the advice chaps, I've inspected both the turret mounts and the bearings, and all seems to be ship shape. Oiling the rack does sound like a good suggestion, how do I go about doing this though? Is it the large circular plug with the hexagonal hole by any chance?  

[nicklouse]

 

 

All the factory manuals say 90 weight Oil for the rack Some take 200 ml and some of the early types take 300 ml. Don't over fill these as they will make an awful mess.

 

 

what "type" of oil?

i am just thinking what there is out there that is readily available on the shelf. would gearbox oil be suitable. i guess yes?

[Spider]

Chris1992 - You could try fill via that plug, but I think you'll end up making a big mess (and the factory don't recommend it). The best way on car is to jack one side up and then release the small clip on the rack boot. Using an Oil Can, inject the Oil in that way. I would suggest doing it from the driver's side.

 

 

 

 

All the factory manuals say 90 weight Oil for the rack Some take 200 ml and some of the early types take 300 ml. Don't over fill these as they will make an awful mess.

 

 

what "type" of oil?

i am just thinking what there is out there that is readily available on the shelf. would gearbox oil be suitable. i guess yes?

 

 

Yeap, just 90 grade, EP Gearbox Oil.

[mister bridger]

Just a thought - before doing all that get someone to move the steering wheel while you get yours ears down by the tyres. I had tyres many years ago on a different car that made a squeaky sort of sound as you turned the steering when stationary. Annoying, but I lived with it.

[Daveontoast]

Sorry to resurrect an old thread, but did you manage get this sorted? My brand new minispares rack is doing the same thing.

[lordcakes]

I've had a similar noise on my Minispares rack from new (fitted 5 years ago). I found putting some of the correct weight oil in helped although recently I have been under the car and undine the big round plug (14mm hex) and injected additional grease in. My noise has diminished significantly and is barely audible, oy when dry steering around the straight ahead position.

Before I did this, I did check all of the other things that were mentioned earlier such as checking the u clamps, tower bolts and the condition of subframe bushes etc.