7 replies to this topic

[THE ANORAK]

right, just got the top and bottom steering column bushes from mini spares today (thanks Rocket), which means i can get the cooper finished and book the MOT.

just wondering, are you supposed to put any lube/grease on these or just pop them in dry ???

they are the plastic type.

[Big_Adam]

Right,

Top (plastic) one you grease. Same with the bottom plastic one (later model cars). IF you have a lower felt bush then it need to be soaked in oil for 24 hours beforehand.

[THE ANORAK]

cheers, yes their both plastic. i have done the felt ones before with the oil.

whats the best grease to use? normal stuff, copper, KY etc.

also forgot to ask...

thermostat gasket.... fit dry or some kind of sealant ??? (i'm really not an Anorak when it comes to taking the engine apart )

[Big_Adam]

Thermostat. I left mine as is, no sealant. Wouldn't suggest it. A smear of something might be a good idea is all.

As for the grease. I used regular stuff on my steering column, if it's good enough for ball join then it's good enough for the column.

[THE ANORAK]

cheers

[AlexM]

I used some hermatite yellow on my thermostat housing when i fitted it on sat. Make sure you put some sort of anti seize on the studs! You do not want them seizing!

[Dan]

Graphite grease should be used for the column bushes, the grooves inside the bushes need to be filled with grease and the bore coated.

[THE ANORAK]

Graphite grease should be used for the column bushes, the grooves inside the bushes need to be filled with grease and the bore coated.

Aha, we got loads of that at work

thanks guys.