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MG MGA - Steering lubrication.

Three questions on steering lubrication please.
1). Steering rack gearbox - is there a way of checking that the oil level is appropriate without total dismantling and re-filling with the recommended total volume of oil? ie. if the rack oil nipple is removed should the oil level be flush with the threaded hole, or above, or somewhat below? Without some such way of checking I never have a clue if enough or too much is in there, and the workshop instruction of ten strokes of the oil gun, or Barney’s “gurgling oil test” by going lock to lock don’t help much either. What do others do each maintenance time?
2). Steering pinion - does everyone follow the workshop manual instruction of “two strokes of the oil gun” or do some of you use a grease gun? I know it’s been discussed before but mine shows evidence of being greased previously and I know several owners have told me that’s what they do. Grateful any thoughts.
3). Steering column universal joint - as it has no grease nipples, is there a need to do something about lubrication there? Looks pretty lonely there without any grease going in over time!
Thanks all.
Bruce.
B Mayo

Bruce,
Are you sure the steering column u-joint doesn’t have a grease nipple. My original had one and the new one I installed has one. Turn the steering wheel and check both sides of the u-joint. I realized after I put the new u-joint in that it needed to be painted black.

Jim


JL Cheatham

Thanks Jim but definitely no grease nipple there. I have looked before (and just now again to be sure) and none. I have always thought it would have been a good idea but the lack of one seems to be supported by the lack of any lubrication instruction for the u/j in the workshop manual. Presume it is greased for life.
Bruce
B Mayo

Bruce,
Off topic, but did you get my message, via Mark, about your 'Chobham' accommodation? It was via Mark, because I can no longer access the yahoo group.

Message repeated below;

From my local knowledge, a van is broken into almost every night at this location; although The Three Mariners 16th Century pub, a short walk away, is very cosy.

I have no connection, but perhaps look at The Royal Standard B&B in Virginia Water. More private and quiet car park. It’s only a couple of miles away from the track and a nice pub, The Rose & Olive Branch, is just a couple of miles away.

Regards
Colin
Colin Manley

Bruce,
Off topi, but did you get my message, via Mark, about your 'Chobham' accommodation? It was via Mark, because I can no longer aces the yahoo group.

Message repeated below;

From my local knowledge, a van is broken into almost every night at this location; although The Three Mariners 16th Century pub, a short walk away, is very cosy.

I have no connection, but perhaps look at The Royal Standard B&B in Virginia Water. More private and quiet car park. It’s only a couple of miles away from the track and a nice pub, The Rose & Olive Branch, is just a couple of miles away.

Regards
Colin
Colin Manley

Thanks Colin. Do give me a call on 07802 170135.
B Mayo

I would still be interested in any other comments re my steering lubrication questions (1,2 and 3).
Thanks
Bruce.
B Mayo

The only way I know to check oil in the steering rack without disassembly is with the gurgle test. Be sure the rubber end boots are in tact, jack up front end, and turn the steering from lock to lock. If it gurgles in and out of the end boots, it has enough oil in it. It is not full of oil, and it does not require much oil, only 6 to 8 fluid ounces for full fill.

For the input pinion, I know the book says oil, but I like to put grease in the top end anyway, thinking it may remain in place better and may be less likely to leak out past the top end felt seal. There is an annular gland oil groove inside the housing at this point. During original assembly I like to put in enough grease to fill the gland, which may be several strokes of the grease gun, much of which can be done before installation of the pinion shaft. After assembly maybe just two strokes more to assure that it is completely packed.

In service, as long as the rubber gaiters remain sealed and oil remains inside, I may not do any additional lubrication for the steering rack for years at a time. The first time I notice a broken boot and oil has leaked out, it gets a new boot and refill with oil as soon as possible, before dirt gets in. The input pinion may get two pumps of grease at the same time, or whenever the engine or radiator is out, or whenever I can't remember the last time it was done.

If the U-joint has no Zerk fitting, I wouldn't bother to disassemble it just to add one. Think "lubed for life", and life is over when it wears out. When it is time to install a new U-joint, then try to get one with a Zerk fitting standard. U-joints tend to last a long time. The ones in the propshaft likely go 100,000 miles or more at 3500 turns per mile, which would be 350 million rotations (as long as you keep the grease in and the dirt out). By the time the cars are 50-60 years old they likely need to have the steering U-joint changed at least once, maybe due to deterioration of the rubber seals. If you install a new U-joint it will likely survive longer than you.
barneymg

Great response Barney. Comprehensive as always. Grease it is for the pinion then - always thought that would be sensible but unsure whether to do it. Many thanks.
Bruce.
B Mayo

This thread was discussed between 05/05/2018 and 10/05/2018

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