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MG MG Y Type - YA Steering rack - oil or grease?

Folks, I found a reference in the archives, but seek clarification for warm/hot climes : my rack is worn but serviceable (wear is about 2 inches either side of the centre point of travel), with an audible clunk as the teeth slip ( this is with all grease removed and metal cleaned). I see that the "correct" setup is with EP 140 oil in the rack; mine was filled with grease, and I wonder whether I should reinstall with a grease suitable for warm weather? - although I'm up in the Tablelands inland from Cairns, our summer daytime temp is usually around 30c, and winter about 20. Also,I could see a bit of trouble with oil spillage as gaiters wear.
Perhaps if Terry Ciantar or Tony Slattery see this they might have a local view, too? Thanks for any advice. John.
J.P. Hall

I think the correct oil is EP90 for the steering rack. Grease is not meant to be used I was told years ago - something to do with wear properties but not sure of the technical details.
D MULLEN

I agree with Dave, oil is what is needed, the grease will not provide the same lubrication & cleaning function.

The fact that a hole in the gaiters will result in a puddle is good - a similar rack with grease would simply let in grit & water to wear the rack - just like yours - a hole quickly identified will lead to a speedy replacement of the rack gaiter.

You can turn the pinion over the take up a bit of the wear in the straight ahead position, but I'd be trying to get a 2nd hand rack in better condition for a future replacement.

Keep up the good work John.
A L SLATTERY

Good points, Dave and Tony - thanks for that. OK guys - where do I get a good 2/hand rack component, because now would be the time to install something better. Remember, this is a car we plan to get back on the road in clean, straight (but by no means concours)condition and keep in the family for AT LEAST FIFTY YEARS ! Cheers, John.
J.P. Hall

Try a wanted on the IMGYTR website classifieds, it's free and you just might get lucky ?.

You could also try Abingdon Motors in Brisbane, they have had a few Y-Type spares in the past. Ask for David, he drives a Y-Type !.

None of my spares are any better than what you have already.
A L SLATTERY

What I would do is google steering rack reconditionrs/remanufacturers and ask them if they would have a look at the rack for you. Chances are they may be able to fix it up using their expertise and parts knowledge cheaper than you could buy a second hand one. These racks get to silly prices now second hand. Also make sure it fits the Y as I believe ones for T types have a different angle where it bolts to the steering column. Just for info I once saw a Y many years ago in Bishops Lydeard in Somerset where the steering column was replaced with a modified one with a U/J in it so that this breaks in the event of an accident and saves the column crushing your chest! No idea how it was done ..I meant to ask but got side tracked!
D MULLEN

Tony - I know David (and Rod of course) very well, always try to see them when in Brisbane. Coincidentally,I was talking to Rod today - didn't think of asking about the rack! Der. Will certainly try that - also I'll have the opportunity to try in England next week. I'll let you know how I go.
David - good advice, thank you.I didn't know the TD setup was slightly different. That rules out pinching one from the TD! How far is Merseyside from Grantham, where I'll be staying shortly? Cheers - John.
J.P. Hall

John

I think you will find that the only difference between the TD Steering Rack and the Y Steering rack is the length of the Pinion. I hate to admit it on this Bulletin Board but in the 1990s I converted a LHD TD to Right Hand Drive using a YA Steering Rack. I recall that I had to buy a new Pinion. The chap who undertook the Steering Rack Rebuild was Anthony Brier but this was over 20 years ago.

With regard to distances Grantham to Merseyside (Liverpool) is approx 130 miles (about 2 1/2 hours). Shrewsbury to Merseyside is closer, approx 70 miles, but with slower roads will still take nearer 1 1/2 hours.

Regards.
David Pelham

John you are than welcome to call over if you can make it to Liverpool. I wish my YB was currently in better condition ..need to replace the headlining and some interior trim....you would think after 30 years it would be sorted! More than welcome to have a look though. Just getting it ready for the MOT. I have another chap from Aus calling round next month when he is in the UK who I met in Melbourne (my eldest daughter lives there)last year.
D MULLEN

That's a kind offer, Dave - thank you; once I'm over there (8th April onwards), I'll certainly look at the logistics. I hope to visit a couple of guys in Chester, possibly David Pelham in the south, another fellow in a place called Snaith. Happy days swapping stories, I hope! I also emailed someone at the Lincolnshire MG club, about a Noggin and Natter, but unfortunately no reply. Cheers for now - John.
J.P. Hall

Quick update - Tony, your advice about turning the pinion over, was spot on - at least for now. The teeth on the pinion are clearly not worn on the opposite section, and this had given me a pretty smooth travel where before there was slippage. Of course I will need to do something about the worn rack, when I can. My book says EP 140 - what do you think, knowing the Qld temperatures? Regards, John.
J.P. Hall

Yes, John - EP140 is fine - any heavy gear oil will do I suspect.

When you turn the pinion over - remember to reposition the steering shaft flange on the pinion spline, or you won't have the correct steering wheel position for straight ahead ( a perfect Y position - horn screw at the top). Don't ask me how I learned this little trick !.

cheers

Tony
A L SLATTERY

Thanks for that Tony - see my ancillary questions above - sorry to flog everyone's generosity! Do you really have to reposition the pinion shaft, or could you adjust the steering wheel position on the splined end of the steering column? Cheers mate. John.
J.P. Hall

The steering wheel is locked by a keyway & taper, so only fits in one position, same with the sliding portion of the column - keyway again. You must re-position the flange - I know about these things - TRUST ME !!!!!!

You will need to make some spacers to slip on the rack to hold it at mid point, while you line everything up - there are NO Shortcuts I'm afraid - do it right - do it once.

It really feels right to drive a Y on the highway with the steering wheel in the Y position on a long straight.
A L SLATTERY

OK - you win! Ever grateful ... John.
J.P. Hall

Hi Folks,
I wonder how easy it would be to modify the new TD assemblies that Moss are offering.[Ive done the chop,step, pin and weld procedure myself when converting my YB to LHD using a second hand TD assembly. It works OK but I still feel uneasy about it] A good workshop could do a much neater job.
Just a thought.
steve
M.I. Stephenson

Steve

I have been in contact with the Moss Technical Team in relation to the new steering racks. Whilst they are a direct replacement, the parts are not interchangeable with the original racks. I was hoping that you could take a Y Type Pinion and insert it into their new rack, but unfortunately this is not the case. I did add this to the Newspage of the IMGYTR website http://www.mgcars.org.uk/imgytr/news.shtml this month so beware.

However, on the positive side Moss are now aware of the small modification required that would open their product up to many more potential purchasers. There is a minimum order quantity of thirty steering racks and they would require a commitment of twenty before progressing as a stand-alone order. I don’t think that there are twenty owners requiring new steering racks, but I might be wrong, so we may have to wait until the supply of TD/TF racks need to be re-ordered.

Regards.
David Pelham

I notice that Moss advertise a "semi fluid grease" for steering rack applications - anyone any experience? - I'm interested because as Tony Slattery points out, there is a need to lubricate the hidden internal balljoints at all times, which I doubt straight grease will do? John.
J.P. Hall

John

Do not use grease in any form on the Y rack. Oil is the correct and only way to go - see earlier comments in this thread as to why etc.

Paul
Paul Barrow

I would also like to echo David Pelham's comments above. David has been working very close and hard on this with Moss Senior Technical people since coming over full time to the International MG Y Type Register and it is just another example of how we are working hard on your behalf to bring real benefits to members of the IMGYTR!

If you are interested in getting onto the list for a new steering rack (and there are a few of you out there I am sure) please contact David (email prman@mgytypes.org) and he will keep you informed.

Having brought you the excellent benefit of Travel Destinations, we are looking at other vendors who can add benefit to your MG Y ownership all over the world. If you have any ideas - local or international - as to how we can do this, please contact either David or me and we will evaluate and follow them up.

Paul
Paul Barrow

Thanks for that Paul - this thread has helped me and I hope a few other newbies to appreciate the importance of researching if you don't know, and taking the advice of those who've been there before!

PS - I hope to meet up with David P. next week. Should be fun! Regards, John.
J.P. Hall

This thread was discussed between 26/03/2012 and 05/04/2012

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