Steering Box

[Cat_J]

Hi guys,

The defender is still off the road but now the weather is slightly better i can actually bring myself to leave my warm house and work on it.

One of reasons it was never going to pass an MOT was because the steering box is leaking through the usual place.

I've been through this thread and know how to remove and replace it: http://forums.lr4x4.com/index.php?showtopic=16765&view=&hl=steering%20box&fromsearch=1 But would like to know whats involved in overhauling it myself, or if just getting a replacement recon one would be better. Would it just be a case of replacing the seals or is there more to it?The steering was pretty loose too.

Cheers

[errol209]

would like to know whats involved in overhauling it myself, or if just getting a replacement recon one would be better. Would it just be a case of replacing the seals or is there more to it?The steering was pretty loose too.

You can change the seals yourself, but I wouldn't bother; just get an exchange one, as then you will have reconditioned shafts too. New locking tabs, new track rod ends and do the drop arm up properly. The UJs on the column are possibly worn too.

[LandyLee]

how much of a leak is it ? If its just a minor one then just pressure wash the area and present for MOT , as long as it isn`t leaking during the test it won`t fail. This get`s done to us quite regularly with oil leaks and yes MOT testers do know that a freshly cleaned engine is probably hiding a leak !!!! But we have to assess the car "as presented at time of test"

[Cat_J]

It is quite a leak. Thats kinda what i thought, I shall replace then, no point in doing half a job.

[dantd5]

Wouldn't bother changing seals. Simply get one from Adwest!!

[DaveSIIA]

Cap full of brake fluid in the power steering reservoir will soften the seals and cause them to swell. It may stop/slow the leak as a temporary measure. Good pressure wash under the front of the vehicle and ready for the MoT.

NB: This would be a temporary fix and the correct route is to fit a new power steering box, with fresh fluid.

[Cat_J]

Im in no hurry to put it through an MOT. Got another car so going to do all the work on the defender in the meantime. Just wondering what the best thing to do was as im not pressed for time.

Cheers.

[RustyNissanPrairie]

I rebuilt my Gemmer 6 bolt box (same as the one shown in the tech archive link). Dead easy to do BUT the standard Paddocks/Ebay seal kits are carp and only really good enough for the o-rings, the main high pressure seal isnt upto the job. However you can source the correct OEM seal very cheaply from the info below. The bearings need changing also in the box (or bushes in the case of a 4bolt Adwest). Its for these 2 reasons that most home rebuilt PAS boxes then leak shortly afterwards. Mine was done 3 years ago and has been fine since.

The info below details the seals/bearings used/required in the 6 bolt Gemmer.

Instructions;

http://www.landrover.ee/est/files/manuals/cars/defender/Def_90_110_WSM_book4.pdf

Additional parts required to rebuild a 6 bolt Gemmer PAS box other than a standard aftermarket seal kit from Ebay/Paddocks etc (Part number RTC5071). The genuine LR kit is £157 so just buy a cheapo kit and source the correct OEM main seal seperately.

Top cap bearing (fitted in the top plate retained by the 6 bolts);

Torrington B2012 full compliment roller 1 required

Main housing bearings;

Upper- Torrington B2016 full complement roller 1 required

Lower- Torrington B2020 full compliment roller 1 required

Input shaft;

Torrington B126 or IKO BA126Z

Seals

Input shaft seal;

Use standard 27*19*5 seal provided in kit, however if input shaft is worn/pitted use SKF or Chicago Rawhide Speedi Sleave part number 99076 in conjunction with standard seal.

http://www2.chicago-rawhide.com/PDF/457027.pdf

Main shaft seal;

Upper/Inner high pressure seal, OE part-use instead of item provided in seal kit.

Claron Hydraulic seals Ltd, Polyseal part number P175125/1

Page 59 http://www.claron.co.uk/pdf/claron10.pdf (they will send you one as a sample if you blag them)

Dirt wiper/lower seal;

Use 45*32*6mm seal provided in kit or part number 10004219 from Eriks seals&orings

http://www.eapseals.com/

Additional dirt wiper/lower seal

Eriks V ring type A, part number 10014205 size ref V32A

Settingtool (allthough not really required-I never bothered);

Dingocraft, http://shop.dingocroft.co.uk/acatalog/Other_tools.html

Or turned & externally knurled aluminium collar, dimensions: overall diameter 63.5mm (2.5"), internal diameter 19mm (0.75"), height 25mm (1.0")

Have fun!

[LandyLee]

How much is a complete overhaul kit when compared to the cost of a overhauled unit ,, Luckily the last owner of my defender shelled out for a recon ,, perhaps if he had left it leaking it might have saved the chassis !!

[RustyNissanPrairie]

How much is a complete overhaul kit when compared to the cost of a overhauled unit ,, Luckily the last owner of my defender shelled out for a recon ,, perhaps if he had left it leaking it might have saved the chassis !!

A crappy seal kit is £20 ish, the proper OEM seal was free as a blagged sample from the supplier, then theres the price of 3 Torrington bearings (cant remember). Lasted 3 years of daily service so far. Cant see how a recon box can have a strip/rebuild, full seal change all the bearings/bushings changed AND make a profit from the £200 ish that they charge.