OK I give up

[everiman]

Just got my first MG, a California Vintage.  The steering damper is puking grease even though it is clearly a friction damper. (Clean right now, but it won't be after a ride.)  I have tried taking it apart, and I can unscrew the big nut so far, but I am afraid of busting something.  It does work when screw it the other way.  So my question is, why the grease, and if it is coming out does that mean the damper has bit the green weenie even though it still works?  Inquiring minds want to know.

[fotoguzzi]

those things work best if you relocate it to under your workbench.

[rodekyll]

+1 in my experience.  They stay lubed and the shaft stays rust and pit-free by leaving a little on the shaft.  They will never be 'clean', and you don't want them to be.  The best way to not see the oozing is to put the thing in a box somewhere dark.

Some folks like the damper.  I don't.  Some argue that it's a worthwhile safety device, so while I removed mine, I won't TELL you to toss yours.  I'd hate to be the reason for your crash . . . .  ymmv