QUESTION
I have just successfully completed rebuilding my Esprit S1 steering rack with the overhaul kit supplied by Lotus Marques and I‘m ready to install it.
What do you recommend for lubrication?
I assembled all the moving components with a liberal dose of Liquid Molly.
Should there also be oil added to the pinion housing?
D.M. - Nicasio, California
ANSWER
When the steering rack kit was supplied to you it also contained a comprehensive guide to assist you and the following advice is provided-
"It is recommend that the rack be assembled with a Molybdenum based grease (often used for CV joints) mixed with a small amount of differential oil added to it.
Products such as Castrol LMM grease mixed with EP80 Hypoid oil or Lucas heavy duty oil stabiliser are ideal.
Whilst gear oil might be a recommended lubricant in this application, this is not going to remain in contact with the pinion gear but drain into the void between the rack and external tubular casing.
With heavy cornering and continual movement of the rack, this action will gradually pump the oil into rubber gaiters where it will leak out."
There is no benefit in introducing oil in to the pinnion housing when you need to lubricate the rack teeth, pinion gear and bearings.
However, there is a useful reservoir behind the the bearing/shim closing plate and it would be useful to pack this with a mixture of Moly grease and Lucas oil additive.
If you have the time and equipment then installing a grease nipple in the rear closing plate (behind the rear bearing) would be useful.
Copyright © 2024 Lotus Marques
I have just successfully completed rebuilding my Esprit S1 steering rack with the overhaul kit supplied by Lotus Marques and I‘m ready to install it.
What do you recommend for lubrication?
I assembled all the moving components with a liberal dose of Liquid Molly.
Should there also be oil added to the pinion housing?
D.M. - Nicasio, California
ANSWER
When the steering rack kit was supplied to you it also contained a comprehensive guide to assist you and the following advice is provided-
"It is recommend that the rack be assembled with a Molybdenum based grease (often used for CV joints) mixed with a small amount of differential oil added to it.
Products such as Castrol LMM grease mixed with EP80 Hypoid oil or Lucas heavy duty oil stabiliser are ideal.
Whilst gear oil might be a recommended lubricant in this application, this is not going to remain in contact with the pinion gear but drain into the void between the rack and external tubular casing.
With heavy cornering and continual movement of the rack, this action will gradually pump the oil into rubber gaiters where it will leak out."
There is no benefit in introducing oil in to the pinnion housing when you need to lubricate the rack teeth, pinion gear and bearings.
However, there is a useful reservoir behind the the bearing/shim closing plate and it would be useful to pack this with a mixture of Moly grease and Lucas oil additive.
If you have the time and equipment then installing a grease nipple in the rear closing plate (behind the rear bearing) would be useful.
Copyright © 2024 Lotus Marques
