Thread: Steering Box leaks

I have noticed that there is oil leaking from the steering box on the series three LWB. it appears to be coming from the side cover gasket. Is it possible to replace this gasket whilst the steering box is in situ or will I have to remove the whole steering box? I have heard that you can replace the EP90 oil with grease. Is this another solution?
Many thanks
Vince

Originally Posted by Dobby

I have noticed that there is oil leaking from the steering box on the series three LWB. it appears to be coming from the side cover gasket. Is it possible to replace this gasket whilst the steering box is in situ or will I have to remove the whole steering box? I have heard that you can replace the EP90 oil with grease. Is this another solution?
Many thanks
Vince

Semi liquid grease is a fix but not a cure. A lot of people in the past have used conventional grease which gets displaced and the parts are no longer lubricated. This is common with the steering relay and I have an axle where the swivel hub drain plugs were replaced with grease nipples !!
Fixing the leaks and using EP80W90 is the best solution.

Usually it's the O-ring seal on the shaft that's the problem, this would run down, then underneath and might appear to be from the sidecover gasket

Removing the sidecover can be done in situ.
I find it easiest to undo the locknut on the backlash adjuster and use the screw to lift the cover once the bolts are removed.
A bit fiddly to get back on because it locates on two dowels and there is a roller that fits into a recess on the inside.

While doing this you could remove the drop arm, pull the shaft and replace the O-ring seal.

First proper test drive

Removing the steering column is a pain. It's possible to do by removing the wheel and mud shield under the wing (mudguard) but it's fiddly getting it out of the two mounting brackets plus there are shims under one of the brackets. I've done 4 now and it's not a job I relish.

Best of luck.

Colin