Steering rack lube???

[JonB]

Now that's interesting, 2cams. Because it reminds me of the trunnion lubrication debate (oil vs. grease)....

[Andy8421]

Out of interest, I did a bit more searching. None of this is definitive, and I did find a few posts that contradicted my comments (below):

FWIW, the best I can figure is racks of the period were largely made by 2 manufacturers, Alford and Adler and Cam Gears Ltd. It seems that Cam Gears mainly found their way into Minis and MGs, Alford and Adler mainly into Triumph (and as a consequence Lotus).

It would seem that Cam Gears recommended EP90/140 as a lubricant, Alford and Adler grease. I did find one post that suggested BL moved from oil to grease in the Cam Gears racks on Minis at the end of the 60s to avoid leakage problems.

Not sure this is of much help, and I think I will go down the 'Corn Head' grease route - if only to see what the stuff is actually like.

[2cams70]

FWIW, the best I can figure is racks of the period were largely made by 2 manufacturers, Alford and Adler and Cam Gears Ltd. It seems that Cam Gears mainly found their way into Minis and MGs, Alford and Adler mainly into Triumph (and as a consequence Lotus).

FYI - Escorts used steering racks made by either Cam Gears or Burman. For both racks EP90 oil was specified.

[smo17003]

A quick Google search shows that even on the many Triumph forums the grease v oil debate rolls on and on.

[JonB]

A quick Google search shows that even on the many Triumph forums the grease v oil debate rolls on and on.

I'm sure it does. And I will say that my S4's trunnions had grease in them. Laid up for over 30 years, when I pulled the suspension apart, the threads on the uprights were as new, with hardly any play in the trunnions. The car has 64,000 miles on the clock.

[nomad]

For those who haven't given up on this thread already, this is a 'corn head':

https://www.deere.com/en/hay-forage/harvesting/rotary-harvesting-heads/770-corn-head/#:~:text=Every%20plant%20is%20pushed%20into,the%20gatherer%20drum%20by%20scrapers.

I am not sure I am any the wiser. It looks like something I saw on Thunderbirds when I was a kid.

Andy, that monster is a cutter for harvesting the whole plant. I'm talking about a "head" for harvesting just the ear of the "maize" plant. I realize you folks are pretty urban but surely there is some "maize" grown over there. Been west all around the Pacific but I'm afraid never to England or Europe.

Kurt

[RichardHawkins]

Gentlemen,

Thanks for the replies. Kurt I am a Londoner by birth but have lived in rural Lincolnshire for most of my life. I will be passing an agricultural machine merchant tomorrow, and if I have the time will enquire about corn head grease in the UK.

Richard Hawkins

[h20hamelan]

off topic

& maybe not as important on out light weight cars. But, on one of my old big trucks I had to have material added the zero (straight ahead) position because this is where most of the wear occurs.

I had borrowed a friends Eutectic metal spray, though this was 25 years ago and of course now I don't recall much.
Some simple filing, and has been holding.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eutectic_system

[2cams70]

It’s always in the centre position that the steering wears most because that’s where it spends most time.

Personally if you had the choice between a grease designed for a corn head machine and one designed specifically for steering boxes by a reputable company I know which I’d choose. It may be ok or it may not be. You’d only know after a steering system tear down after travelling 100,000+ kilometers

[nomad]

It’s always in the centre position that the steering wears most because that’s where it spends most time.

Personally if you had the choice between a grease designed for a corn head machine and one designed specifically for steering boxes by a reputable company I know which I’d choose. It may be ok or it may not be. You’d only know after a steering system tear down after travelling 100,000+ kilometers

Perhaps the call out for a steering box is the same "self leveling" corn head grease that I was referring to. It has other applications and only John Deere specifically call it "corn head" grease. These steering racks are used in later MG Midgets as well as Triumph Spitfires. Not known for long life but, of course, no provision for relubing them. They like to wear out the passenger side bushing that the rack slides through and then provide some interesting changes of toe. Regular lubing of that side I would think a good idea.

Looks like room for anything higher than the stock plug on that rack is limited so I may just loosen my gaiters and hand lubricate the rack before fitting the body. Will leave clamps for the gaiters where I can get at them form under the car in the future.

[RichardHawkins]

Kurt,

I did find time today to speak to my local agricultural machinery merchant. They had no idea what I was talking about, but did say that John Deere is not a brand they supply.

Richard Hawkins

[Craven]

A number of this type of grease on the market, may be the answer.
https://www.morrislubricantsonline.co.u ... rease.html

[2cams70]

A number of this type of grease on the market, may be the answer.
https://www.morrislubricantsonline.co.u ... rease.html

Good that they provide the specs. You'd probably be best going with the 00 grade. Same as the Penrite.

[nomad]

Here is a link to the stuff specifically from that Triumph forum:

https://www.greenpartstore.com/John-Dee ... 02562.html

I would think there is enough info there to cross to many places. We do not use John Deere equipment but our corn head requires that same lubricant. My son gets it somewhere locally for much lower cost than JD would want.

Kurt