82 steering rack plug

[lfausty]

82us i have a yellow plug on the steering rack box , that was loose , what goes in it? oil grease? is it pumped in from the power steering system and will fill back up or is it a sealed box that gets filled with fluid/grease what kind? how much

theres no room there probably table spoon of some thick substance there.

[JE928sx4]

Originally Posted by lfausty

82us i have a yellow plug on the steering rack box , that was loose , what goes in it? oil grease? is it pumped in from the power steering system and will fill back up or is it a sealed box that gets filled with fluid/grease what kind? how much

theres no room there probably table spoon of some thick substance there.

What you have found is probably the plug covering the hole for the steering rack centering bolt used only during maintenance.

[Mrmerlin]

Lisa,just tighten the cap back onto the rack,
its a centering bolt hole cover,
this is used to set the rack up to even the tierods then align the front end.
there might be a small amount of ATF or grease in it but dont add anymore. It will be fine

[lfausty]

posted while posting thanks mrmerlin-- je928sx4

that means ? no lube is in there? lets say moving screwdriver/finger in there theres gunk on the screwdriver its nothing, just centering bolt bit of grease?

[JE928sx4]

Originally Posted by lfausty

posted while posting thanks mrmerlin-- je928sx4

that means ? no lube is in there? lets say moving screwdriver/finger in there theres gunk on the screwdriver its nothing, just centering bolt bit of grease?

You're welcome.

There's not a whole lot of grease in there, or a need. The shaft just needs to slide back and forth. If the shaft looks shiny and you don't see any water or red hydraulic fluid, it's sealed tight good to go. If you have someone move the steering wheel, eventually a little dimple will appear that the centering bolt uses to lock the shaft in place. Making sure the power steering fluid pump, hoses and fittings are dry or excessive play in steering are of much greater concern.

[Mrmerlin]

when a rack is assembled the assembler will usually add some thin grease to the rack and other sliding parts so they wont seize, its quite normal to see grease on the sliding portion of the rack,
Otherwise there is not any need to add anymore grease or remove what you find.
Screw the cap back on,
dont overtighten it ,
and inspect the rack boots for cuts,
Alsolook inside them for ATF fluid.
A small amount of ATF in either boot is not a cause of concern but it should be monitored, a filled boot OTOH is cause for concern, make sure the boots are fresh to keep out dirt