Thread: Defender leaking steering box - ok to keep driving?

It will likely shortly be time to change it, but first make sure that it's not auto trans fluid from the transmission cooler or a leak in one of the flexible hoses from the engine to the PAS box. If it is coming from the box you can try Lucas Power Steering Stop Leak, you use it in place of the normal fluid. It may help for a while.

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Better off replacing it here than on the side of the road somewhere...

You've got a bit of time up your sleeve before Easter, so make a decision on what your final remedy will be now and head towards that (new or good used box or repair your own etc).

Good used boxes from D1's etc can be had pretty cheaply so would be a good option if funds are tight. Hardest bit can be swapping the pitman arm as you need to use the defender one.
If you've got a box there all ready to fit (with defender pitman arm on) then its only a couple of hours to remove the old one and throw it in.
Worst case if you decide to take the gamble or don't have time to fit it then take it with you so at least you have the replacement if things go pear shaped.

Biggest hassle is if it craps out in the middle of nowhere and you have to stuff around getting parts that cost you time and $$$$.

And I'd be taking a 4L container of auto trans fluid just in case...

Steve

mine started leaking like that. Two years later I replaced the Box.
I did try repairing it by replacing the bottom seal, you can buy a kit for this. If you want to try the repair option I would suggest you do it sooner rather than later.
regards
Andrew