MG Sports Cars

engine swaps and other performance upgrades, plus "factory" and Costello V8s

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pspeaks
Paul Speaks
Dallas, Texas
(698 posts)

Registered:
07/20/2009 06:40PM

Main British Car:
1972 MGB-GT 1979 Ford 302

authors avatar
Steering Rack
Posted by: pspeaks
Date: December 22, 2012 06:54AM

As I have never checked the oil in my steering rack, I think it's way past time I should do so. I’ve heard of different oils being used, so what is best or what is recommended? How do you get the oil into the rack? I'm going to be removing it from the car so I can paint it and replace the boots.


Paul



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 12/22/2012 06:57AM by pspeaks.


BlownMGB-V8
Jim Blackwood
9406 Gunpowder Rd., Florence, KY 41042
(6468 posts)

Registered:
10/23/2007 12:59PM

Main British Car:
1971 MGB Blown,Injected,Intercooled Buick 340/AA80E/JagIRS

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Re: Steering Rack
Posted by: BlownMGB-V8
Date: December 22, 2012 10:54AM

Synthetic gear oil works well. Remove a boot clamp and squirt it in with a basting syringe.

Jim


pspeaks
Paul Speaks
Dallas, Texas
(698 posts)

Registered:
07/20/2009 06:40PM

Main British Car:
1972 MGB-GT 1979 Ford 302

authors avatar
Re: Steering Rack
Posted by: pspeaks
Date: December 22, 2012 12:50PM

Thanks Jim, that will work as I have to replace the boots anyway. How much do I put in? I was thinking if I remove the input shaft to drill a hole in the shaft will I mess up anything and could I put the oil in there?


Paul


Moderator
Curtis Jacobson
Portland Oregon
(4576 posts)

Registered:
10/12/2007 02:16AM

Main British Car:
71 MGBGT, Buick 215

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Re: Steering Rack
Posted by: Moderator
Date: December 22, 2012 03:28PM

I removed the two-bolt cover and put oil in from the top. It doesn't take much. Teaspoon or two? If the car is jacked-up and the wheels are off the ground, you can move the rack back and forth to work it in. I just used some moly engine assembly lube that was sitting around in a small bottle. Don't over-think this one.


BlownMGB-V8
Jim Blackwood
9406 Gunpowder Rd., Florence, KY 41042
(6468 posts)

Registered:
10/23/2007 12:59PM

Main British Car:
1971 MGB Blown,Injected,Intercooled Buick 340/AA80E/JagIRS

authors avatar
Re: Steering Rack
Posted by: BlownMGB-V8
Date: December 22, 2012 06:56PM

I believe the spec is in the Haynes manual but I'm out of town. I believe it actually called for several ounces, maybe around 5 or 6 it seems like. You can put it in there any way you like, even install an oil cup or something. Like Curtis said it isn't exactly critical and any oil with good tack and slip-stick characteristics will do well, such as Vactra#2 machine tool way oil for instance. Odds are you are familiar with that. It's just a simple gearbox with shims to set the pinion end play and the rack to pinion clearance. The main problem we have with them is wear in the center of the rack which can't be shimmed out because of binding at the ends. Sometimes play in the end joints too but those are replaceable.

Jim


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