6 replies to this topic

[SKIDDERWOLF]

I've just bought a new steering rack from Minispares - do I need to fill with oil or are they prefilled?

[weef]

I beleave that the MiniSpares racks come pre loaded with grease ready to fit and use but check your part number on their website for confirmation.

[SKIDDERWOLF]

Ah yes, my bad - it does state pre greased on the website. Cheers

[Jon9379]

I did read somewhere that Rover swapped to grease in the racks instead of oil to reduce warranty claims.

This obviously stopped the leaks as the grease is much thicker than the oil used but does not provide as much lubrication to the rack and pinion.

[Zami]

I put gear oil in my new MS rack 3 years ago still not leaking.

[Cooperman]

I always top up the rack with normal gear oil (eg EP80), but don't overfill. That's a good compromise between engine oil and grease.

[Spider]

The original Factory Racks were filled with 200 ml of SAE90 Oil (same as used in most manual gearboxes and rear axles). Later, due to warranty issues from Oil Leaks in the late 70's they changed to a grease. It's been my experience that these racks don't fair too well internally when run with grease, often they are so worn they can't be overhauled.

 

The Mini Spares Racks as far as I am aware are 'filled' with grease, though I'm sure they aren't packed with it, just liberally lubricated.