QUestion regards lubricating steering rack

[twas_brillig]

We've got a Bug-Eye and the original Sprite Shop Manual advises that every 12,000 miles:
"STEERING RACK. Apply the grease gun filled with oil to Ref. B to the nipple on the steering rack and give 10 strokes only."
Ref. B is "Rear Axles (Hypoid), Steering Rack: All conditions down to 10 F (-12C): Duckhams Hypoid 90; Castrol Hypoy; etc. etc. etc."

Well, hate to admit it, but I've never done this, Is this still the best approach: find an old grease gun; empty; clean it; dump in whatever the lubricant of choice for the differential is, and 'give 10 strokes only'?

Thanks,

Doug

 

[George Zeck]

Steering Rack - fill at nipple until new grease comes out (look at color / condition of squiting bad stuff). As for "10 strokes only" - I wouldn't be too concerned about that - all guns are different - how can a universal measure hold accurate?

Diff: uses 90 wt gear oil.

George

 

[Kiwi63mk1midge]

I believe the steering rack takes oil, not grease.

 

[spritenut]

The rack does take oil, 90 wt but I have pumping grease in the racks for almost 40 years and never had any rack failures.
I do oil them up when I have them out on the work bench but after it's in the car, I use grease.

 

[Trevor Jessie]

I use corn head grease. Very thin. It actually flows, but does not seep out like oil.

 

[scoutll]

I use one of those little plastic medicine syringes. I fill the syringe with oil then take the little grease nipple off the rack and squirt the oil into the rack. Works well and I dont have to worry about a grease gun for just that.

 

[nomad]

I've got an old gun that I removed the plunger from. I keep 90wt in it just for lubing british steering racks. Several strokes with the wheels all the way right then several more with the wheels to the left.

 

[twas_brillig]

Ichthos: have a look-see at the above. I would've referenced/copied/pasted this into your query, but ye olde skilles are somewhat lacking.

Doug

 

[billspit]

I've got an old gun that I removed the plunger from. I keep 90wt in it just for lubing british steering racks. Several strokes with the wheels all the way right then several more with the wheels to the left.

Also good for Triumph trunnions.

 

[Hap Waldrop]

I believe the steering rack takes oil, not grease.

Lots fo folks use grease in their racks instead of oil, pretty common at the race track.