Is it possible to lubricate a steering rack?

[Freez74]

According to the drawing Zed provided, it applies only up to July 73 models.  I'm referring to the caption at the bottom.

Edited September 29 by Freez74
fix

[Zed Head]

I've never seen the multiple figure pages like that, with the arrow you have to click on to get to the next figure.  Didn't know they existed on the carparts site.  You're right, there's two versions.

Many (some?) people remove parts 17, 18, 20 and 21 and pack grease in there.  On the 2nd figure, Aug 73 and up.  You can tighten it up a bit too, but you have to be sure it doesn't bind at the extremes of travel.

[jfa.series1]

It looks like I stand corrected, moving to figure two with the arrow confirms the grease reservoir was limited to 240Z models and discontinued for the 260Z and later. I too had never noticed the arrow function before - learn something new every day.

[Zed Head]

As usual, the FSM has good information.  I'd have to have a rack in front of my eyes to know where to put the nipple and observe the outlet but apparently there is a lubrication procedure defined.  Also, various grease applications described before this section.  1976 FSM - Steering.

[Zed Head]

This thread probably has some good knowledge in it, even without the Photo****et non-pictures.

 

[Captain Obvious]

On 9/27/2024 at 8:15 AM, Freez74 said:

Without disassembling it or removing from the car?  Hoping there might be a way to put a little oil or grease in there.

Getting to the root of the question... No. You cannot get to all of the areas of the rack that need grease without taking the rack apart.

As you suggested, you can pop the inboard sides of the boots off and grease what you can see. Doing that will allow you to grease the rack end bushings and the rack gear. And if you have the grease holes in the ends of the rack gear (not sure all years had those), you can temporarily install a zerk fitting into the hole which will allow you to grease the ball and socket joint on the tie rod ends. Install the zerk, pump in some grease, and then take the zerks back out.

That's most of the rack, but not all of it. The only thing you won't be able to grease is the ball bearings on the pinion gear shaft. Better than nothing though!

[Freez74]

Thanks, Captain.  The steering seems to work smoothly, just wanted to see if there was anything I could do since the car sat for so long.

[Captain Obvious]

Glad to help. Since it's so easy, I'd pull the boots back and do what you can. Small amount of work for the time investment.

Just don't split the boots.    That would be the typical "reward for being proactive".