63 MK1 850 Mini Saloon Steering Rack Oil

[twc641]

I have a torn gator that needs to be replaced and would like to add oil .
What type and grade do i need to use?
I did a search but...... no luck!!
Thanks John

[whistler]

EP90 gear oil.

[whistler]

Because there was a so called problem with oil leakage a change to grease filled racks occurred. I'm not a fan of grease filled racks so after some online research I've ordered some semi liquid steering rack/box grease which I will be injecting into my mk1 rack which I've just drained of oil. The 60's boots are in good condition so we'll see.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/295443291707

[twc641]

Thank you whistler
Do you know of anyone else that has used this product for a steering rack? Also
Any Particular type or Supplier I should purchase my gators from?

[Peter Laidler]

Anyone considering using grease within the steering rack ought to consider that EP oils travel as the rack is being mved. And sticks like shit to a blanket. Grease just sits there.

Not exactly/quite correct but it is for a gearbox. And that's all a steering rack is....., a simply 90 degree gearbox

[Spider]

,,,,, Grease just sits there.

,,,, And that's all a steering rack is....., a simply 90 degree gearbox

Yes, the Rack is a Gearbox, it's an interference type, meaning it has no back-lash or play, which is desirable of course so we get a real nice positive feel from the steering, however, if it has grease in there, because it's an interference gearbox, it actually wipes dry any grease that's there to lubricate it and then they wear out real quick, especially of one thinks about how lightly loaded these are and the comparatively few operations they see. Very few, if any of the Greased Racks I've come across over the years could be overhauled.

What ever brainwave thought grease was a good idea in them should have their thumbs chopped off ! It was a lazy butcher's fix and nothing more. Putting grease in them is a waste of a good rack and the grease.

[twc641]

Thank you Peter and Spider
I was a bit skeptical myself of This product, will STICK with EP oil!!!
Getting back to the gator Looking for a good quality gator Seems like most of the Products now or not worthy Of the quality of the past
Who would you recommend I purchase gators from ?
John

[Spider]

Somerfords offer Valtain Steering Rack Boots, these come from Japan, while they might be dear, they are likely the only ones worth buying.

[twc641]

Thank you Spider i will be placing my order

[68&86auto]

There's another Japanese steering rack boot option which is meant to be cheaper and good. That's according to the marketing though. Most likely still better than anything originating from any UK supplier.

https://garage-dhr.com/en/

Go to their Facebook and scroll down a few posts for information on the boots.