Steering Box

[crash]

I am pretty sure I have a leaking steering box - not 100% sure from where though.
What is the most common spot for them to leak from?
Are the steering boxes rebuildable or am I better off getting a new or 2nd hand unit?

[PhilipA]

The most common spot for the steering box to leak from is out of the output shaft, which attaches to the pitman arm and thence to the front steering arm.

You will easily see it as the Pitman arm will become saturated and oil will drip from it.
Regards Philip A

[Pedro_The_Swift]

Havent they done this since Incisor played left back for Jeruselum??

[crash]

The most common spot for the steering box to leak from is out of the output shaft, which attaches to the pitman arm and thence to the front steering arm.

You will easily see it as the Pitman arm will become saturated and oil will drip from it.
Regards Philip A

If it is leaking from there is it just a seal that requires replacing? Can it be replaced with steering box in the vehicle?

[JDNSW]

If it is leaking from there is it just a seal that requires replacing? Can it be replaced with steering box in the vehicle?

It may be just the seal, but it also may have a worn sealing surface on the shaft. It may be possible to replace in situ, but be warned that getting the pitman arm off the shaft with the box in place is likely to be much more difficult than removing the box and taking it to a press.

I had some success with one of the additives that are supposed to condition your seal - got me another year to find a steering box on special! Sorry, that was a few years ago, and I can't remember which it was that I used.

John

[PhilipA]

The leakage problem is a lot rarer in the steering boxes produced since 1991 when they changed from a Babbit type bearing to a roller bearing.

However if it has started to leak it could be a worn bearing/shaft as well as a crook seal. If this is the case the seal will start to leak again quickly.

At one stage Adwest the box manufacturer was manufacturing replacement boxes which sold for about AUD 550 landed and I bought one for my 91RRC.

You may find the cost to rebuild a steering box is eye watering and I don't know why other than it is a complete rip off.
If the recirculating ball is also worn then a new box is cheapest.

BTW, they also leak out of the input shaft and this is a much "easier" fix while in the car. All you have to do is make up a special tool to get the circlip in and be multi jointed.

Regards Philip A

[lewy]

I used a speedy sleeve on the output shaft that was worn by the seal on the d1.I would presume it is the same process.

[crash]

I used a speedy sleeve on the output shaft that was worn by the seal on the d1.I would presume it is the same process.

I was wondering if that could be done.
Once things dry out I need to have another degreasing session and work out where it is leaking from.