11 replies to this topic

[coyttl]

Hey all.. for the later SPis (if it matters) - what is the best grease that should be used in the ball joints on the steering rack? If any? My boot has disintegrated on the left, got two new ones and thought I'd check before going out and getting anything.

Cheers!
Mike.

[Retro_10s]

The ball joints are on the hubs and lithium grease is fine for these. But you mention ball joints on the steering rack?

Do you mean track rod ends?.... if so - these are sealed and cannot be greased... once they die, they're dead...

[coyttl]

The ball joints are on the hubs and lithium grease is fine for these. But you mention ball joints on the steering rack?

Do you mean track rod ends?.... if so - these are sealed and cannot be greased... once they die, they're dead...

Okay, so i don't know what I'm talking about. Big surprise. My CV (ball-joints?) were leaking, so I ordered new ones. While I was under there, there's one on each side connected to the steering rack - these things - which I ordered as well. The one on the left was in veral pieces and they just fell off when I touched them. inside is what looked like a ball-joint, that connected the arm down to the hub.

If this is the track-rod, then good to know, I learnt somethin'. If I can't use them then no fear. I'd like to keep those joints protected, tho. Does that mean they just aren't filled with grease?

Cheers!
Mike.

[liirge]

Thats not a track rod end,
and for the type of grease im not sure, I think the early ones used a type of oil??

[Ethel]

BP energrease fgl is what it says in the book. They rarely need lubing but if it has picked up dirt I don't see why a general purpose lithium grease wouldn't do, it'll have less to do than a ball joint.

[coyttl]

Cool, thanks guys!
I ran over to my tire shop and did a quick talking to them, they said that years ago they would use oil, but now they use the same grease that is used for CV joints and the like. Good to know!

Cheers,
Mike.

[Sleepy Stu]

I just used some general purpose lithium grease when I did the ones on my battered old Renault 19.

[stormintrooper]

do you have to fill up the boots with grease or oil or whatever you use?

or just smother the joint with plenty on?

[Retro_10s]

Just completely smother the joint, don't fill the boot up, it's messy and wastes grease.

[Saxo-Fiesta-Mini]

when i did the steering gaitors i covered the rack and pinion in copper grease and then some lithium grease for inside the gaitor

[coyttl]

Those boots are huge - so I don't think you would want to completely fill them up. When I go to put mine on (should be fun, never done anything like this before) I'm just going to cover the joints rather well and then put the boot on.

Mike.

[Saxo-Fiesta-Mini]

that is probs the best option i didnt put too much as i was worried the grease would just OOOZEE out lol