16 replies to this topic

[jameslearwood]

Hi

 

I have a Rover RIO 1275cc 1993

 

Okay so i have a resurrected project after several years sitting half done, trying to refresh my memory and figure out whats what.

 

I need to replace the steering rack gaiters as they have split and been damaged in the resto job.

Far as i am aware there is no problems so dont want to replace it.

 

Could someone point out the best way to replace the gaiters to preempt any errors.

 

Best way of testing to ensure there are no errors.

 

How do you regrease them and with what.

 

I already seen the threads about sub standard rubber parts so trying to find better quality ones if anyone knows of a website with them then great

 

Thank you

[cian]

New ones are very stiff and they are a real pain the get over the rack so I use a heat gun to soften the rubber! Oh and the grease you use for wheel bearings will do for the rack

[tiger99]

You have a good grasp of the difficult problem, finding good gaiters. But once you have them the process is straightforward. The rack uses EP90 oil, not grease, and you just stand it on end, steering column end up, and pout in the required quantity, a third of a pint if I remember correctly, down the rack tube, before doing up the other gaiter. Please check the manual. You have to pour the oil slowly.

 

If doing it on the car, changing gaiters is fiddly and getting the oil in is messy, although a syringe will do it, if you loosen the outer end of the gaiter. Do it from the driver;s side. Jack the car up on that side and support it securely to help the oil go where it is wanted.

 

Either way, turn the steering back and forth a few times to spread the oil.

 

A common error is to try to put the oil in through the rack centering hole.

 

If you google for gaiters you may find a supplier of something suitable. Please let us know if you do. There are UK manufacturers of such things, and it may be that a material like PVC would be acceptable.

[jameslearwood]

Okay cheers for that

 

I could "easily" remove it as there is no engine but rather not so i don't have to mess about with alignments etc

 

okay google as found aceparts for the gaiter

 

http://www.ebay.co.u...=item5b1c9a8145

 

what do people think?

[jameslearwood]

what gaiters are on there are they both same diameter or different what length do i need as some sites list different ones

 

such as somerford mini

 

GSV1153 GAITER KIT, pair, with clips 1 Short (5") rubber type.  Equal diameters at large ends.   GSV1056 GAITER KIT, pair, with clips 1 Long (7") plastic type.  Equal diameters at large ends.   GSV1004 GAITER KIT, pair, with clips 1 Long (7") plastic type.  Different diameters at large ends.

[minidaves]

firstline gators last well :)

[tiger99]

I think you need to check the diameters of each end of your actual rack, which may not be original, to be sure of the required sizes.  

[limby2000]

If you get stuck for gaitors, ive got a pair of quality nos rack gaitors that come with proper metal gaitor clips as most come with zip ties. 10 pound posted.

[Spider]

If the car was driven with spilt gaiters, then I wouldn't waste time and money just replacing those.

 

The racks are filled with Oil, once the gaiter's split, all that runs out and the Rack runs dry. They knacker out in a very short time, so you could very well be up for a rack Replacement.

 

If you do end up replacing the gaiters, I don't use the zip ties that they give you with them to seal off the ends. Zip Ties don't form the correct closed shape and so they will leak. If you still have the original metal bands on there, re-use those. If not, CBS have a range of 'Flattie' Cable Ties that do form a true circle and will allow the gaiters to seal for the big ends. On the little ends, a hose clamp is best, but don't go ape tightening it.

 

I also apply gasket goo to the big ends to help them seal.

[tiger99]

Good point! Last time I did one, I used very large Jubilee (hose) clips because I happened to have them. You have to be careful how you orient the tightening mechanism.

But I was only refilling with oil as a precautionary measure. The gaiters were still good, and lasted for over 150000 miles. Rubber was properly made in those days.

[pete l]

I heard the oil was replaced with grease quite a few years ago.

Edited by pete l, 09 October 2016 - 07:52 AM.

[Spider]

I heard the oil was replaced with grease quite a few years ago.

 

They tried that here - for a short time, but went back to Oil.

[jameslearwood]

cheers car has been siting for quite a while so probably happened during thsat period also while i was doing work in the engine bay i damaged them a little so hoping the rack should be good.

 

will give it a good inspection and then order the gaitors.

[tiger99]

I missed the grease era. I expect it coincided with increased sales if replacement racks!

Oil is always the better lubricant. Grease is the lubricant of almost last resort when there is no possibility of keeping oil in place. Last resort, but only at relatively low stress levels, is to use certain dry bearing materials. A rack is necessarily steel on steel so oil is most appropriate.

[pete l]

My 1997 MPI has grease in the rack, not oil