8 replies to this topic

[Elwyn]

Hello

1993 L reg SPI Cooper
Uk
RHD
Manual

I replaced my steering rack.
I followed online advice and topped it up with oil before fitting it.
I now assume it was pre-filled with grease and probably didn’t need any oil.
I’ve read further forum comments that say it’s ok to add oil to pre-greased racks.

Getting to the point…

Oil is leaking from both ends.
Out of and then around the gaiters.

Getting closer to the point….

Is there a fix for this?
Ideally one that doesn’t involve the front sub frame, removing carpets and the steering column?

I assume the short answer is no, but I wanted to ask you clever lot first.
Before I start the mammoth task.
It’s mammoth to be.

Thanks

Elwyn

[nicklouse]

Just let the oil leak out.

[Elwyn]

I can loosen the gaiters at the steering rack end to help it drain, but won’t that leave the rack under-lubricated?
With the now-seeping oil having blended with the grease, effectively now flushing out the grease too?

[Chris1275gt]

I presume the oil hasn’t been in there long? I’d remove the track rod end and gaiter 1 at a time Jack up each side in turn and let it drain out and clean up the gaiters as best you can shouldn’t take too long and I doubt it would of dissolved much of the grease and beware of online advice!

Edited by Chris1275gt, 18 May 2024 - 11:07 AM.

[DeadSquare]

In my younger days, the racks lubricated with Hypoy 90 gearbox oil.

 

Replacement racks always used to come with a film of grease on the steel inside them, which I assumed was like the film on a new camshaft as anti corrosion.

 

Thick oil won't easily squidge back into the rack, once the oil has got into the gaiter, and if there is too much in the gaiter, on full lock as the gaiter concertinas in, some oil will try to find somewhere else to go, ie: leak.  When you have just sufficient oil, it won't need to leak.

 

How much is sufficient ?  If the rack was filled and remained fairly level before and during fitting, anything in the gaiters is surplus, so to avoid too much mess on the garage carpet, push a match stick between the bottom of the track-rod and the gaiter, both sides, overnight.

[Elwyn]

Thank you. Wise words and something I can follow.

[Elwyn]

Forgot to say
Not that it matters
I have no garage
I’m a driveway, all weather tinkerer
I dream of a garage

[DeadSquare]

Forgot to say
Not that it matters
I have no garage
I’m a driveway, all weather tinkerer
I dream of a garage

Alas, a Mini is too wide to get from the patio, through Crittal French windows, into the living room.

Edited by DeadSquare, 18 May 2024 - 03:59 PM.

[PoolGuy]

 

Forgot to say
Not that it matters
I have no garage
I’m a driveway, all weather tinkerer
I dream of a garage

Alas, a Mini is too wide to get from the patio, through Crittal French windows, into the living room.

 

Surely that depends on how fast you’re going?