FC steering rack rebuild

[StephenSheppard]

Originally Posted by infernosg

I was reading about the manual rack in the '88 FSM (it's interesting to note how different it is) and it actually gives a "twist" requirement for the rack that dictates the yoke plug position. I'll probably play with a bit tonight. I need to open it up to add some more lubrication, and back off the torque on the pinion bolt anyway (too high - I didn't realize it was only 14-22 lbf-ft).

Do you use ATF or something similar to lubricate the seals like the FSM requires? I was going to try to slather some 5W30 on the passenger side of the rack to help the rack more easily move through the rack bushing but was wondering if ATF or PS fluid would be a better idea?

I use power steering for assembling it as a powersteering rack. If I was depowering it I would just use grease everywhere instead, it will mostly stay in place and provide lubrication that way. Liquid tend to seep out in a depowered situation and make a mess, plus then they aren't lubricating anything at that point.

[infernosg]

Originally Posted by StephenSheppard

I use power steering for assembling it as a powersteering rack. If I was depowering it I would just use grease everywhere instead, it will mostly stay in place and provide lubrication that way. Liquid tend to seep out in a depowered situation and make a mess, plus then they aren't lubricating anything at that point.

I used synthetic axle grease (Mobil 1). The steering is noticeably heavier with the wheels off the ground than it was with residual P/S fluid and the ports open. Everything is torqued to the middle of the FSM specifications and I've currently got the yoke plug adjusted so the rack is quiet when turning the wheel from side to side (sort of like setting lash in a differential). I left the oil seals in place on the rack but removed the springs (rack piston and all the seals on the pinion are gone). It's nearly impossible to keep any appreciable layer of grease on the rack because the oil seals "scrape" it all off as the rack moves back and forth.