Thread: Steering Box Leak

Originally Posted by Cool95

I have a Disco S1 noticed an oil leak where the drag link is connected to the steering box, the oil is leaking from the bolt that enters the steering box.

I can't find an oil filler bolt on the box itself to check the oil level.
Is the oil to the steering box supplied by the power steering pump reservoir?

Has anyone replaced the lower steering box seal and what is involved or is it a job for a steering specialist?

Cool95

Power steering boxes use the power steering fluid as their lubricant. It is possible to replace the seal, but it seems that the surface it seals on is often worn as well, and a new/reconditioned box then looks more attractive. I am currently trialling "power steering fluid conditioner" to see if it can postpone this step!

John

yes, this is power steering fluid leaking past the output shaft seal.
Replacing the seal can be done in situ.

The bottom seal can be replaced in situ providing the pitman shaft bushes are not worn out. you must first remove the pitman arm, then pull the rubber dust cover from below the seal aperture to reveal an internal circlip. remove this, temporarily replace pitman arm and wind the nut on finger tight, place an oil catcher on floor below steering box, start engine, turn steering wheel left or right. hydraulic pressure will pop the seal components out of the aperture. take note of the order in which the different parts that make up the seal assembly are in and refit new seal kit in that order after first wrapping masking tape over the pitman shaft splines to prevent damaging the expensive new seal kit.

Credit the legendary Bill Larman

or you can just leave it,,
and eventually it rustproofs the entire underside of the car,,
I think mines on 100% seal conditioner

what if you used one shot grease......that stops the hubs from leaking......

Originally Posted by DEFENDERZOOK

what if you used one shot grease......that stops the hubs from leaking......

oh stop,, your killing me

Hi, i did mine not long after i bought it, the seal kit was $99 from british4wd down in melbourne and Hobart, and i also had to order two new needle roller bearings as the ones that support the sector shaft were stuffed. To date (touching wood) it hasnt leaked a drop, to me best part of a day to pull it out, clean, rebuild and refit. I used the diagrams from the RAVE CD to do the work, they have an extensive list of steps on what to do. I would get on top of it ASAP as mine was leaking because the iron filings from the bearing case has worked their way down and chewed the seal out, left ,much longer and they would have begun to damage the surface of the sector shaft which when damaged needs to be replaced. Matt

Will try out Lucas Power Steering Stop Leak, as it is wet around the drag link and not much on the ground, may rejuvenate the seals to give me some time.. so off to Supercheap tonight.

Originally Posted by Cool95

Will try out Lucas Power Steering Stop Leak, as it is wet around the drag link and not much on the ground, may rejuvenate the seals to give me some time.. so off to Supercheap tonight.

Yeah, I've heard heaps of good stuff about putting off the day when you need to repair/re-co or replace with new RR/Disco steering boxes that always seem to leak on the website www.rangerovers.net and guys there [U.S.] always speak very highly of Lucas Steering Stop Leak and also Lucas Oil Conditioner for use in the C.V. Swivel Ball Housings.......

Actually it's a really good website....full of great advice and hints and stuff for Range Rovers, Classic/P38a's/ later and Discos