Dave,
This is not a difficult job. You will lose most of the oil oil, but
it's ordinary 90w gear oil that you can buy anywhere. I believe the
quantity specified in 1/3 pint -- check the book for this. It is not
necessary to remove the tie-rod ends (which can be difficult without the
right tool). By marking the parts before you unscrew them, all can go
back to the exact same position, retaining the alignment.
Do the job by getting the car up on jackstands, just to give access
and working room. Spread newspapers, rags, etc underneath, then do a
good scrubdown with solvent, paint thinner, WD 40, whatever, and a wire
brush, cleaning off all dirt on the rack, the tie-rods and on everything
above this area that has attracted dirt that could fall into your work.
Cleanliness is important.
Carefully mark the position of the locknut on each tie-rod, putting a
scratch on the nut, the tie-rod end and the tie-rod itself. A file is
hard metal that will do this scratching.
Loosen the locknut (1/2 turn, or three flats will suffice), then
unscrew the tie-rod from the tie-rod end. Count the turns. Remove the
locknut from the tie-rod. Slide off the old boot, clean up any dirt that
you find on anything, slide on the new boot. Secure boot to the rack
(rack end only).
Put the locknut back onto the tie-rod. Thread the tie-rod back into
the tie-rod end. Turn it in the same # of turns that you counted when
disconnecting. Bring your marks back together. Put half the oil into
the boot now, then clamp up the tie-rod end of the boot.
Repeat on other side, adding the second half of the oil on this side.
Bob
On Sun, 18 Apr 2004 20:44:24 -0500 "Dave Ciaccio" <djc53052@msn.com>
writes:
> I pulled the '74B out of storage this weekend and gave it the spring
> servicing. In the process, I noticed that both steering rack boots
> are split open pretty wide and probably should be replaced. Is this a
very
> difficult job? It appears that the tie rod ends will have to be removed
prior
> to slipping off the boot. Is it Ok to leave the weight on the front
> wheels when disassembling the tie rod end? What is the best way to
insure
> my front end stays in alignment? How do I make sure I did not lose any
> lubricant? Any advice appreciated!
>
> Dave Ciaccio
>
> '74 MGB
> '73 Jensen Healey
|