12 replies to this topic

[red81]

Hello hope I have the right section for a procurement question.

 

I purchased a steering rack from Mini mail some years ago, with no issues and everything works.  It has now come to boot replacement and I am surprised to find that some manufacturers do not follow the original design so I am struggling to find a boot, and I can't be the only one who has purchased this OEM rack.

 

The best match I can find is a Lemforder 3013401 from Autodoc, so I would have to import, see image attached.

 

Has anyone else had this problem, and found a solution?  The reviews on Autodoc are not good so I don't know whether to risk it.  Any comments or ideas would be greatly appreciated.

 

P.S this is for my rebuild project, I've just started putting Bluey back together.

[Lplus]

Hello hope I have the right section for a procurement question.

 

I purchased a steering rack from Mini mail some years ago, with no issues and everything works.  It has now come to boot replacement and I am surprised to find that some manufacturers do not follow the original design so I am struggling to find a boot, and I can't be the only one who has purchased this OEM rack.

 

The best match I can find is a Lemforder 3013401 from Autodoc, so I would have to import, see image attached.

 

Has anyone else had this problem, and found a solution?  The reviews on Autodoc are not good so I don't know whether to risk it.  Any comments or ideas would be greatly appreciated.

 

P.S this is for my rebuild project, I've just started putting Bluey back together.

Later racks from the likes of minispares have a much longer and more flexible boot - they do replacements for that type and for the earlier less flexible type.

[Spider]

Have you tried Mini Mail ?

 

What are the sizes of the boot ?

[nicklouse]

so I would have to import, see image attached.

You forgot to attach any image.

 

there are different boots for different racks. MiniSpares does list a few. 
 

but I would be asking the supplier first.

[red81]

Many thanks guys for your replies

Unfortunately Tim at Minimail has retired and closed the business, so I have no idea who manufactured this rack.  The sizes as follows:-

Length 190mm

10mm track rod end

26mm inner end

 

The 26mm is not a size I can see on Minispares site

 

I have tried again to attach the image of the one I have found even though the sizes of the Lemforder 7700774566  7700774566 boot.jpg   37.45K   0 downloadsare not quite right.

Length 165mm

10mm rod end

26mm inner

 

Carbuilder solutions, do one thats close but its inner end is to big at 35mm

[nicklouse]

Not quite retired. He is still in business. Just in a reduced version.

thst was the rack with different length boots?

 

https://www.minispar...ne-small-gaiter

[red81]

Many thanks Nick, I'll be on to Minispares tomorrow ref GSV1004, i dismissed this one because its about 3/8 shorter, but I can see now that it should work.  How did you know its a THST rack? Pretty impressive, i do seem to remember the term quick rack? 

[68+86auto]

What about universal steering rack boots?

[red81]

Carbuilder solutions do a universal rack but it's the 26mm inner end that's difficult.  I've attached an image of the offending rack.

 

Moss may have an option also I'll investigate today GSV9998

 

The next question i have is do I oil or grease?  I have to admit I have never used oil on any of my Minis since 1980, I just can't see how the oil will stay in, or will it just decay the boot?  I'm willing to try, what do you guys recommend? Please and many thanks

 

[red81]

 quickrack3.jpg   16.63K   0 downloads  quickrack1.jpg   41.85K   0 downloads

[Spider]

The next question i have is do I oil or grease?

 

90 weight Oil.

The factory racks were originally designed for oil. Later, they did change to grease, but that was to avoid warranty claims. I have overhauled many racks (100's), those that I've stripped down that have had grease are always worn beyond being able to service them.

Quality boots and attention to detail when assembling will ensure they hold oil just fine.
 

[red81]

Thanks spider I'll try oil then for the 1st time.

I've been recommended to use a 140  gear oil, unless you say different

[Spider]

Thanks spider I'll try oil then for the 1st time.

I've been recommended to use a 140  gear oil, unless you say different

 

The one listed in the Workshop manual is 90, however, 140 would also be OK.