[Mg-t] TD Steering Rack

[John Quilter]

The usual tool for splitting the tie  rod end assembly from the swivel pin 
is a ball joint splitting tool.  The following website has a pic of one. 
Shop around they may be available for less. 
http://www.triple-c.com/Tools.cfm, alternatively a "pickle fork" and hammer 
can be used.  The original tie rod end assemblies for a TD came with a zerk 
fitting but more modern replacements are of the "sealed for life" type with 
no fitting.  Both types may be still available.   The TD workshop manual 
calls for Hypoid 90 weight oil for the steering rack.  Same as used in the 
gearbox and final drive.  Multiweigh hypoid oils may be available for this 
application now. It is a bit difficult to fill the rack from the central 
zerk fitting.  I find a pump squirt type oil can is easier to use, just 
insert the nozzle under the rack boot before fitting the clamp.

Note, when removing the tierod ends from the rack be sure to exactly count 
the number of turns to remove, and refit with these number of turns or it 
will be necessary to have the toe in/out reset by an alignment shop.

John F. Quilter
Brisbane, California
1951 MGTD
1960 Morris Minor
1969 Austin America


----- Original Message ----- 
From: <jvk52td at aol.com>
To: <mg-t at autox.team.net>
Sent: Sunday, November 22, 2009 7:34 PM
Subject: [Mg-t] TD Steering Rack


> Hi "T" Listers,
>
> I have been trying to read as much as possible about the steering rack on 
> the
> TD.    One of my rack seals was ripped.
> After much work I finally was able to separate the tie rod end by pressing 
> it
> out with a puller. What is the easiest way to do that task ??
>
> I noticed my tie rod boot was ripped on the other side so I am just going 
> to
> replace both tie rod boots and both rack seals.
>
> My tie rod ends are different from each other with one being flat on the
> bottom with no grease zerk on top /  the other kind of round on the bottom
> with a grease zerk on top.
>
> On the middle of the steering rack is a zerk which I have read about both
> grease and oil for this area ????
>
> Thanks,
>
> John
> _______________________________________________