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.

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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

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.

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SooperDooperMiniCooperExpertEngineering

All garage work involves equal measures of enthusiasm, ingenuity and a fair degree of irresponsibility.

can you use a grease in there instead of oil
or even a mixtue or both

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77 Leyland Clubman
1293cc, LCB extractors, pulsar dizzy (recurved), cooper s disc brakes, 40DCOE Weber

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.

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DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R.

Had the same problem with the zip ties on my steering rack - leaked oil everywhere and it wasn't even in the car 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

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David L


My greatest fear in life is that when I die my wife will sell my Mini and tools for the price I told her I paid for them!

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.

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DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R.

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.

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Potato

Standard hose clamps seem a bit wide?? Would this pose an issue?

I don't think it would matter.

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DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R.

i think as long as they grip the rubber onto the rack they work fine width isnt really a problem

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Potato

What diameters are we talking. I will look into the best clip.

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"Boris" - '69 Cooper S Mk 2

Jubilee clips with thin electrical tape is the way are the go. Just dont overtighten them or the will cut through the boot

10mm & 45mm