Steering box leaks

[emmotto]

My steering box leaks - badly. Like, I'm going to stop at the auto parts store on the way home and buy some STP type of leaking...

How hard is it to fix/rebuild this?

Can it be done in-situ?

[LaneRover]

My steering box leaks - badly. Like, I'm going to stop at the auto parts store on the way home and buy some STP type of leaking...

How hard is it to fix/rebuild this?

Can it be done in-situ?

Not sure how hard it is to rebuild but I don't think I'd use stop leak

[jonnyc]

Do you mean the unit next to the carb, or the repeater just in front of the radiator?

[TedW]

It has been suggested by others on this forum that the use of one of those semi-liquid grease sachets that Land Rover sells for Defender swivels will cut leakage dramatically. Of course, the best solution would be to replace the seals..............

[emmotto]

Do you mean the unit next to the carb, or the repeater just in front of the radiator?

Steering box, not steering relay. The unit on the shaft, next to the carb (LHD).

mike

[ignotus]

Depends on where it is leaking. If the side try tightening the nuts, maybe on the ends too. If the relay shaft seal is leaking, you have to remove and replace. So you pull the whole column out of the vehicle. The ends are just paper seals as is the side plate. To do the bottom one you could do it insitu but the top you have to pull everything out. When you open the bottom or the top all the bearings fall out!(perhaps into the box)

gene

[jonnyc]

Just wanted to clarify, 'cuz my steering box is tight and dry as a bone, but the relay leaks like a sieve.

[emmotto]

Thanks to all!

And an apology - I neglected to search the forum archives before I posted so of course once I did after I posted I found lots of useful info in previous posts.

I think it's definitely worth trying the STP and or special sauce grease before I get into the box.

That's my plan

Thanks again!

MIke

[emmotto]

'cuz my steering box is tight and dry as a bone.

As they say about old British motorcycles when you tell them it doesn't leak - "are you sure there's oil in it?"

[jonnyc]

I actually have a similar quote on an old Landrover shirt. And yes, I check it when I do other servicing, and it's always full. I know, it's a shock!

[gudjeon]

The relay can just have the lower seal replaced to stem the leak. Steering box is best done on the bench. You can buy the separate balls. just remember to put back the correct number. The steering shaft has shims and I set up for zero end-float. The bolt and locknut on the side adjusts the engagement of the recirculating balls with the worm. Adjust too loose, there is excessive steering wheel play. Too tight, the box steers tight. Especially in the of the outer ends of movement. Gaskets can be made from gasket paper and the main shaft seal is an o-ring.

P.S. My Landrover leaves its carbon footprint everywhere it goes.

[I Leak Oil]

I've used regular wheel bearing grease in the steering box for years now. No leaks and no other issues. Seems to circulate just fine and there no real heat issue there. Been meaning to put a grease fitting so I can pump some in now and then but squirting it in the regular fill hole works fine.

[Jim-ME]

One shot works as well but more expensive. Wonder if synthetic grease in the steering relay would work?
Jim

[emmotto]

Is there a preferred method to drain out the EP90 in the box before filling with one-shot or STP?

Or just drive around with it leaking until its empty?


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[stomper]

I wouldn't bother trying to drain out the EP90, it will continue to lubricate until it eventually leaks out. FWIW, I am running Lucas oil stabilizer in mine with no further leaking. It is the viscosity of thick honey, so a little more fluid than grease, and I had it hanging around in my garage already.