Steering rack lubrication

[USAndretti42]

I changed the steering rack gaiters on my car the other night and want to top up the oil in the rack.

Does one just squirt some EP90 into the gaiter until no more goes in and then do the same the other side, wind the steering back and forth a bit and repeat a few times? Or is there a more scientific way?

[Simon350S]

Shouldn't you be using grease rather than oil??

If you choose to use oil then there isnt really any other way of filling it up, just dont put too much in or you'll blow your gaiters off when you steer quickly as the fluid wont displace fast enough!!!

Simon

[silverfrost]

YEP,

IM SURE ITS GREASE ASWELL!

CANNOT REMEMBER READING ANYTHING IN MANUAL ABOUT OIL AND RACKS!

SOMEBODY OUT THERE HAS TO KNOW! WAYNE B!

REGARDS DAN

[WayneB]

Yes its greased for life, I use a bit of normal green chassis grease

The gaiters are just to keep the dust and sh*t out(not to keep a gallon of oil in)

Use EP 90 oil on the trunnions though(not grease)

Trev, does this mean she is nearly ready to drive?

Edited December 8, 2005 by WayneB

[USAndretti42]

My manuel definitely says EP90 for the rack and I had 2 puddles of treacle on the floor when I took the old gaiters off.

Maybe it changed for the S3.

Just need to get it through the smog test to get my stickers.

[WayneB]

Us S3 Turbo Esprit guys , we know less than nothing

[USAndretti42]

Us S3 Turbo Esprit guys , we know less than nothing    

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

You know plenty.

Just it's the wrong car for me.

[molemot]

I certainly found that squirting a spot of oil in through the gaiters (using my Grandfathers oil syringe from the 1913 Napier) and winding the steering about a bit freed it off a treat!

[USAndretti42]

Sounds good to me so that's what I'll do. I may use an oil can with a spout rather than a 1913 Napier syringe, though.

THanks.

[PVK 596Y]

Sounds good to me so that's what I'll do.  I may use an oil can with a spout rather than a 1913 Napier syringe, though.

THanks.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

My S3 manual says Valvoline X-18 MD SAE 80W 85W 90 GL5.

It also gives equivalents for every other application on the car except the steering !!

It also says you MUST use a 1913 Napier syringe.

Paul

[Ray]

The steering rack should have a small amount of thick oil in it the same as gearbox oil (hypoid 90 ) or similar. But don't over fill because you will get an hydraulic lockup that will blow the gaiters of the ends

Ray

[peteyg]

A PO of mine drilled and tapped a hole so a grease nipple could be screwed in - make topping up very quick and easy!

Pete '79 S2

[Guest teigan]

very sexy