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Zip ties VS Steering rack boots
https://www.ausmini.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=53080		 Page 1 of 2
Author:  willy [ Sun May 10, 2009 8:26 pm ]
Post subject:  Zip ties VS Steering rack boots
How crap are zip ties on steering rack boots!!
I used the ones in the kit... they seal on the tie rods alright, but on the cast aluminium section of the rack, they just don't offer enough clamping force to keep the oil in.

What type of clamps/bands do people use?
I went to Repco to have a look, and they have the stainless steel type that you pull tight with pliers, then bend over two little tabs to lock it tight.
Do you think these would be sufficient?
Author:  NAV [ Sun May 10, 2009 8:40 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Zip ties VS Steering rack boots
willy wrote:
How crap are zip ties on steering rack boots!!
I used the ones in the kit... they seal on the tie rods alright, but on the cast aluminium section of the rack, they just don't offer enough clamping force to keep the oil in.

What type of clamps/bands do people use?
I went to Repco to have a look, and they have the stainless steel type that you pull tight with pliers, then bend over two little tabs to lock it tight.
Do you think these would be sufficient?


They work for CV's so I can't see why not.
Author:  willy [ Sun May 10, 2009 8:44 pm ]
Post subject: 
CVs have a much thicker grease than the oil used in steering racks... this oil finds its way to the outside I believe through the rough cast finish on the alloy of the rack.

Hmmmmmm
Author:  Mick [ Sun May 10, 2009 8:47 pm ]
Post subject: 
Yeah I've had this problem with the zip ties, and I even used quality ties as well, not the shite that usually comes with kits. I think it's to do with the oil when you go from lock to lock, half a litre of oil tries to squeeze through a small space out of the extended boot and back into the body of the steering rack. If you go too fast it pushes past the boot as pressure builds up inside.

There's a trick sparkies use to get the best out of the zip ties. You can try and crank the ties down a little more by using a pair of side cutters. Grip them as if you are going to cut the tail off, but instead roll the side cutters around the top to stretch the tie a few more clicks, you will be surprised how much tighter it will pull the zip tie up.

....Or get a steel cv clip if you can get the tool in there to tighten it up.
Author:  72clubman [ Sun May 10, 2009 8:49 pm ]
Post subject: 
can you use a grease in there instead of oil
or even a mixtue or both
Author:  drmini in aust [ Sun May 10, 2009 9:11 pm ]
Post subject: 
72clubman wrote:
can you use a grease in there instead of oil
or even a mixtue or both

Putting grease in Mini racks was a bad idea. The manufacturers (Cam Gears) told Leyland that when they did it.
The rack just cuts a track through it then the grease dries out. No more lube...
I have mates who worked for Cam Gears back then. They said top your racks up with oil, if you want them to last.
90/140 gear oil was recommended but 85/90EP works these days.

Cable ties are only good on the shafts, using them on the rack body is a bodge.
I only use the original Mini screw clamps on the rack ends. If I don't have any in the future, I'll use CV metal straps and clips.
Author:  Wombat [ Sun May 10, 2009 9:14 pm ]
Post subject: 
Had the same problem with the zip ties on my steering rack - leaked oil everywhere and it wasn't even in the car :shock: I saw where the "special" hose clamps for the braided fuel line were also used for the small end of the steering rack boots so when I was getting an order from MiniSpares I added some with out affectng the postage. As for the big end I have just bought some metal zip ties from a UK dealer on eBay - Got a small bundle - will be playing around with them tomorrow - let you know how I get on.

Wonder if it would be any use using Silaflex or similar
Author:  drmini in aust [ Sun May 10, 2009 9:17 pm ]
Post subject: 
The rubber boot is flexible, you need to clamp it tight. I don't think Sikaflex would like the oil...
A big worm drive hoseclamp would do it well.
Author:  meeni [ Sun May 10, 2009 9:18 pm ]
Post subject: 
ive had no trouble with hose clamps on the big side of my steering racks, mini and porsche.. they hold very well and seal well too.
Author:  willy [ Sun May 10, 2009 9:19 pm ]
Post subject: 
Standard hose clamps seem a bit wide?? Would this pose an issue?
Author:  drmini in aust [ Sun May 10, 2009 9:19 pm ]
Post subject: 
I don't think it would matter. :wink:
Author:  meeni [ Sun May 10, 2009 9:21 pm ]
Post subject: 
i think as long as they grip the rubber onto the rack they work fine width isnt really a problem :wink:
Author:  4myego [ Sun May 10, 2009 9:33 pm ]
Post subject: 
What diameters are we talking. I will look into the best clip.
Author:  Blokeinamoke [ Sun May 10, 2009 9:36 pm ]
Post subject: 
Jubilee clips with thin electrical tape is the way are the go. Just dont overtighten them or the will cut through the boot

Image
Author:  willy [ Sun May 10, 2009 9:38 pm ]
Post subject: 
10mm & 45mm
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