In most modern cars, at least part of the steering system is sealed for life. These do not require maintenance and are simply replaced when they become worn or damaged.
Suspension with double wishbones and steering swivels
In a rack system, the inner tie rod is contained in the gaiter of the sealed rack and should be left alone unless you need to remove the gaiter for another reason.
A suspension system with MacPherson struts and a steering box
However, even brand-new vehicles may have grease nipples and/or oil-filler holes in various parts of the system.
Their position is determined by the steering system (rack and pinion or steering box) and the type of front suspension (wishbone or MacPherson strut).
The owner’s manual will tell you where to lubricate and how frequently – usually every 6,000 miles or 10,000 kilometers – as well as the type and amount of lubricant to use. (For more information on power-steering systems, see Checking power-assisted steering.)
Raise the front of the car, leaving the wheels free. It is supported by axle stands installed beneath frame members. Firmly apply the handbrake and chock the rear wheels. Put rear-wheel-drive vehicles in gear (automatics in ‘park’).
Keeping a rack and pinion lubricated
The rack is filled with oil or grease but does not require routine maintenance. If you remove or replace a rack gaiter, or if there is a leak past a loose or damaged gaiter clip, it must be re-lubricated.
If you do need to re-lubricate, check the owner’s manual to see if oil or grease is used, what kind, and how much.
Taking out a rack
If it’s oil, drain the rack and refill it with a syringe. To ensure the proper oil level, check how much the syringe holds.
Raise the car on an axle stand on one side only, tilting the rack. Clean around the gaiter carefully, and place a drip tray under the lower end of the rack.
Remove the clip from the inside of the lower gaiter. Remove the gaiter from the rack housing and allow all of the oil to drain.
To make it easier to put on, smear some grease or gear oil inside the gaiter. Reattach the gaiter and secure the clip.
Inject the appropriate amount of gear oil with a syringe. If you don’t have a syringe, use an old cycle pump or an oil can. Reattach the gaiter and clip.
If tilting the car is inconvenient, you can empty the rack on the level by undoing one gaiter at the inner end and slowly moving the steering wheel from lock to lock several times – not quickly, as this could burst the other gaiter.
To read our blog on “How To adjust your car brakes,” click here