steering box leak

[maxrover]

I've got an oil leak from the steering box of my 1996 Discovery. How do I know if whole box needs replacing? And if so is it pretty straight forward? Thanks

[PhilipA]

Give us a clue.
Is it coming from the output shaft or the input shaft?
If input maybe Ok, if output maybe OK but more likely to need new box , as the shaft can get scored.
Regards Philip A

[langy]

The powersteering box is most commonly called the 4 bolt or Adwest. Search either here or web 'landrover-4 bolt powersteering - leak' and you'll find plenty of info.

Basically, if the steering is smooth lock to lock and around corners, and the only problem is a leak from the bottom seal, you can get a small kit and it will be a fix for a few years.

However, if the steering is notchy or flops around, ( that makes the seal leak) it is a good indicator that another box is required. It's messy, takes some decent tools, but is a one day job.

Currently a new box runs about $600 here in Aust. Sometimes you can get a 2nd hand box cheap from a low Km disco 1 or similar age RRC & defender. The box from a Disco 2 ( or P38A ??) won't fit because of changes to the chassis mounts.

[maxrover]

Thanks for the info. It is leaking from output. Ihave got my hands on a low km unit and will do a straight swap over. Cheers:):)