My steering feels stiff as though it is sticking slightly so how do i lubricate the rack etc. Also what oil or grease should I use ?

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1977 Clubman

Sean...if the rack is binding at some point in its travel...then it is a job for experts. If it has lost all its oil or grease then you would think it would be tight and noisey everywhere in its travel.

Get a qualified Mini repairer to have a look at it and fit a new rack if needs be

Your column could also be binding because the nylon sleeves are either worn away or non existant.

(of course, your wheel alignment could be so wildy out is causing the rack to bind...unlikely)

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"Show me the Mini!"

check, ball joints, tierod ends etc etc.

Any chance something got bent?
This would make it stiff at certain points when turning the wheel.

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1970 Mini Deluxe - 1275, Weber, Clive 346 cam, MS 4-pot slotted discs, Megajolt ignition Now with new improved Mambas... almost on the road
1966 Van with Traveller rear seat conversion
2008 Prado GXL
All in various states of repair...

Does it have a drop bracket fitted?
were the 4 nuts on the floor pan loosened when it was put on?
If you loosen the nuts, then tighten again it may fix the prob
if it hasn't been used like that for two long.

Just a thought.

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"Why mini? 'cause it's got the edge."

seems to be stiff when accelerating in 1st, 2nd and 3rd gears, it's fine when in 4th cruising along (if you can cruise in a clubby 998). would the engine be rubbing against something as it has more movement when pulling in the higher gears ? Anyone else heard of this type of problem ?

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1977 Clubman

What do you mean stiff ?

does it feel like you are fighting the car to go in the direction you want it to go ? does it veer one way or the other ?

Are your tyres in decent condition and not flat

Wheels balanced?, rims straight?

....

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Roads need more corners
A Deluxe(CG13DE), 2 Clubbies(998 and 1275) and 2 Morris 1100Ss