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MG TD TF 1500 - Steering rack filled with grease?

Today under the car I've seen some grease coming out of the steering rack housing. At that place I expect hypoid oil. Is something wrong?

W_Mueller

..and a second picture from the upside

W_Mueller

Not unusual. A lot of people see that oil nipple on the steering rack housing and mistake it as a grease nipple - not knowing any better. Cheers - Dave
DW DuBois

Hi Willie,

The rack should be filled with oil rather than grease and it is supposed to flow from side to side as the bellows expand and contract. If you use grease, or overfill with oil, you can burst one of the bellows.

Jan T
J Targosz

I'd filled with hypoid oil (60ml) 6 month ago. I guess the PO had used grease. Any suggestions for making things better (without dismantling)?
W_Mueller

I don't think that having some grease in there is a major problem, and if you are having no problems I would leave well alone. Grease is a blend of oil and lithium soap - most problems arise when the oil dries out leaving a solid soap residue, which can make the steering very stiff. Keep putting oil in it when it needs topping up and it should be fine. Over time the oil will dilute and liquify the grease, flushing it out.
Dave H
Dave Hill

Hi Mr. Mueller. I had the same problem.
Jack up thefront of the car, take off the nipplem,suckout the oil and grease,fillup whith somthing that will loosen up the grease.
suck and work the steering from side to side
it take time.
or takeoff the bellows and blow.very messy.

Thoralf Norway TD
Thoralf Sorensen (TD4490)

Thanks to all

guess I'll take off the bellows.

W_Mueller

Winfried,
I agree with Dave-just top it up with oil and leave the gaiter as it is.

Regards
Declan
Declan Burns

Unless it's packed full, I agree. Put oil in it and worry about cleaning next time it needs new gators.
Steve Simmons

Just turn the steering wheel left and right occasionally while driving.

I seem to recall greasing the rack and pinion bushings while assembling ours, then squirting in some hypoid lube, about 6 years ago. Just gave it another shot of hypoid for good measure.
JIM N

The bushings are oillite, which means they are porous and designed for oil. Grease will clog the pores. It isn't the end of the world, but the rack lubrication system will work far better with oil.
Steve Simmons

This thread was discussed between 04/10/2017 and 09/10/2017

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