diecast wrote:
I'll self identify as the ex-employee of Cam Gears (TRW Products).
Yes, oil is the correct lubricant, the original oil was about 140 weight (about the consistency of honey kept in the cupboard). In an Australian mini rack always use oil.
In the last 20-30 years, many steering rack manufacturers have moved from oil to grease in steering racks. Grease is now able to be used in racks because the inner ball joints (joints at the rack ends) have changed from metal to metal ball and cup designs to encapsulated designs where the tie rod ball moves within a plastic bearing, which is lubricated on assembly and does not require any more lubrication. This is the same technology used so that modern vehicles have suspension ball joints but no grease nipples.
We would give the back of the rack a wipe of STP engine lube where the yoke rubs, but that was more about initial lubrication and generating a consistent pinion rotating torque for production reasons, rather than any long lasting effects.
Thanks for the insider advice diecast...
My problem is, that I know manufacturing in the 1960s - 1980s was often seat of the pants stuff and with cost always in mind (NOT saying Cam Gears were cheap or cut corners for price and I have no eye deer how competent the technical staff were)...but a lot did cut corners in those days...and guess what? I think the Chinese must have been watching because they (in some cases) have taken lack of quality and cheap to a whole new (dangerous) level!
Similarly, the range and quality of consumer lubricants (as opposed to high end MIL Spec and Aerospace say) available in those days was limited and varied. Just look at the leaps and bounds the humble engine oil has achieved in the last 20 years.
Therefore...I have an open mind.
[my tuppence worth]
