Shell Sterak grease - for steering rack
 

I'm changing the gaiters on my steering rack (they cover the inner tie rods) and kit QFW000060 on Rimmers shows a 25 gram sachet of Shell Sterak Grease. Where is it supposed to go - on the inner tie rod ball joint or on the rack teeth? 25g doesn't seem very much for either. :shrug:

https://www.the75andztclub.co.uk/for...0c6f73cf3d.jpg

Btw, I've searched for Shell Sterak and can only find it in 180 kilogram barrels :eek: (about £800). Since I can't think what to do with the other 179.950 kilos :D I might need an alternative grease - any suggestions?

Ask shell for an alternative or if avileable in smaller sizes

from the internet
Shell Sterak Grease 1 is a lithium base grease specially blended for use in steering boxes in all types of vehicles. It has excellent low temperature properties ......It is an NLGI 1 consistency grease, with enhanced anti-wear and anti-corrosion properties.

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This is from: https://solutions.shell.com/in/produ...se_1__901L1263

PACK SIZES

Available pack sizes - Drum 180 kg O/H RYTop (1)

So that's it - if they don' sell it sensible sizes I won't be using Shell Sterak.


Will this do instead ? https://www.amazon.co.uk/TETROSYL-LT...s%2C168&sr=8-4

Or this (it's cheaper)? https://www.amazon.co.uk/SILVERHOOK-..._t3_B001CIZ3GK


Search - From one of the links in this search, NLGI stands for National Lubricating Grease Institute. The number that comes after the letters NLGI (e.g. NLGI 1 or NLGI 2) denotes the consistency of the grease - in this case 1 is thinner than 2.

Apart from that, everything else on the subject of grease is as clear as mud!

Two email answers from Shell (Brussels) and Quality Bearings Online (UK): no, Shell do not supply Sterak in sizes smaller than 180 Kilograms. Customers will buy a 180Kg barrel and then decant it into smaller containers for whatever uses they might have. The 25 gram sachet for instance was decanted.

You only need a smear of the grease, so the sachet looks like it has enough for the job to me. :shrug:

I didn't buy the new gaiters from Rimmers, they came from elsewhere (£15 instead of £60) so I haven't got a sachet - I've got no Sterak at all.

I wonder if this will do instead? Comma BG2500G

Or this? Comma GR2500G

Simon; to answer your original question, apply the grease to all moving parts visible within the gaiter (I doubt that you'll see the rack).

No, it's NLGI 2. If you're going to the trouble of buying special grease then make sure that it's the recommended NLGI consistency.
That's NLGI 2 as well.

Here's a lithium based grease which states that it's "viscosity 1". I'd say that this is your best bet and at an attractive price too.

Simon

Ok thanks Simon - I'll grease all moving parts.

I can see about 3" of rack sticking out beyond the gaiter clamping position on the casting (where the rubber collar in the kit goes). The teeth had factory grease in them when I took the gaiter off so I'll put some new stuff on there.

Ok, I'll get the Castrol Spheerol EPL. It does sound more like Sterak than the two Comma(s) and it's a good price too.

Btw, Rimmers do sell grease sachets as single items (numerous types) but none of them are Sterak. Typical!