while removing rack boots to inspect for leakage etc i noticed what appeared to be some type of grease on the teeth of the rack and was somewhat suprised as these things are filled with atf. is this normal and if i should decide to remove this grease and coat with a fresh application is standard lithium (not moly) grease ok? btw, there was no leakage nor any atf in the boots.

 

Seals are not perfect. There is always going to be a little fluid on the pistons. (it is what lubes the seals) In the Navy we actually wipe down all the exposed Hydraulic pistons with some system fluid if the Guns and missile launchers sit idle for a couple days. (IT IS EASIER TO RUN THINGS ONCE A DAY) Guess that is the logic of cars that get driven more often leak less oil. <img src="graemlins/soapbox.gif" border="0" alt="[soapbox]" />

 

so, what's the deal here? is this grease really congealed atf or is it, well, grease?

 

Snowball,

How long have you owned the car?

 

red flag: why do you ask?

 

long enough to perform several p/s atf changes.

 

I was wondering if the PO had used grease to either quiet down and hide a defective rack, or in an attempt to keep the atf from ruinning out of the seals and boots. (I didn't say it would work)

Just thinking outloud.

Greg

 

a. Remove both rubber bellows from the steering rack housing and push aside.

b. Clean the steering rack thoroughly in the area of the rack shaft and seals.

c. At an engine speed of approximately 1000 rpm, turn the steering to the right stop and hold there under light pressure for approximately 5 seconds (the steering wheel should not be turned so hard as to activate the pressure relief valve). Repeat the procedure with the steering turned to the left stop.


Repeat 8 to 10 times to each side.

If ATF is noticeable on the rack shaft or on the housing in the area of the pinion shaft, replace the rack. If no leaks are found, the oil on the steering rack may be from another source such as the power steering reservoir, hoses, sealing washers, etc.

NOTE:
A light accumulation of oil in the rack boots over an extended period (i.e., between service intervals) should be considered normal and does not warrant replacement of the steering gear. In such cases, the rack boots should be cleaned free of oil, reinstalled and the fluid level topped off. The vehicle should then be returned to the customer for normal use. In so doing, the rate of oil accumulation in the rack boots can be more efficiently determined and a possible mis-diagnosis avoided.

Repair Procedure (cont.):
Grease may be seen on the rack shaft or seals during the test. This is the lubricant used for initial assembly of the rack and must not be mistaken for an oil leak.

d. Whenever a steering rack is replaced, the two rubber bellows must be replaced and secured on the housing.

e. Whenever removing fittings or lines from the steering rack or pump, always replace the sealing washers.

Steve C <img src="graemlins/xyxwave.gif" border="0" alt="[bigbye]" />
The Great White928

<img src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" border="0" alt="[cheers]" />

 

PO had the scratch to replace the rack, i don't have any reason to suspect wrongdoing.

 

thank you steve. are you saying that it is ok to clean this grey color grease from the rack teeth and reapply fresh grease? btw, to reiterate, there are no atf leaks.

 

Snowball,

and coat with a fresh application is standard lithium (not moly) grease ok? btw, there was no leakage nor any atf in the boots.

any grease is ok

Steve C
The Great White 928 <img src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" border="0" alt="[cheers]" />

 

thanks. jets rule.

 

i have been advised to use valvoline synth moly grease by my mech.