steering box leak

[jimthebin]

dear all

got a leak on my steering box after i got a recon one fitted, is this easy to solve as the box works really well and i would rather do little jobs like this myself rather than paying someone else to do it

many thanks

JTB

 

[mattd1984]

You could try topping it up. Use gearbox oil. How old is the box?

 

[jimthebin]

it is an old box but it works really well all i am really worried about is it running out of fluid and nackering it and also it ruining my drive so ideally i would like to fix the problem

thanks for the help though

JTB

 

[Araon]

How long ago? contact the suppliers if its not too long?
I take it its been filled with Hypoid?

 

[jimthebin]

got it from a mate/person i know who does all my work for me that i have never had a problem with before

my old box was really bad so he supplied and fitted a box that works really well but leaks very slightly and he states is a common problem

to be honest if i can sort it myself i would rather do this so i learn and also so i don't get charged for it

JTB

 

[ground hugger]

Depends where the oil is leaking from ,if its just the two halves then they can be split
and a suitable liquid gasket applied,
I had to do this on mine,four bolts simple's
But you have to take the box off first :evil: Getting the pivot arm off isn't a 5 min job unless your lucky.

If its the square bit with the four bolts that you can see on the left of the first pic
theres shims fitted behind this,but its up to you .I left this bit as it was
You will also find you have to do a bit of fine tuning when you fit it back on the van.
this is done by the adjuster with the lock nut on it (bottom of the second pic),and fill it back up with oil

 

[jimthebin]

thanks for that anyone recommend any liquid gasket? ?

thanks

JTB

 

[T2-Nate]

use a new paper gasket (make it yourself) and wellseal.
Won't leak again

 

[BJ1]

use a new paper gasket (make it yourself) and wellseal.
Won't leak again

True - but these boxes were designed to fit together without a gasket, probably because of the huge forces on the cover. A gasket may not do any harm but it's not necessary. I've refitted many of these covers over the years and had no leaks providing a good sealant is used.

It's worth checking that the box isn't leaking from the output shaft oil seal. This is easy to replace if you can get the drop arm off - and that is a pig of a job that takes a high quality hydraulic puller and a lot of bad language. Once the arm is off then it's best to remove the box and replace the output shaft bushes - you'll need an adjustable reamer to do this.

 

[dubdubz]

I used some of this

http://www.roadhouseretro.com/details.asp?id=457&searchprod=&Sub_Category=45&page=1&group=97&category=12" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

stopped the leak, and quietened down the knock I had in mine....the seals are generic type apparently??

this is for late bays - I'm not sure when the later style got put onto a bay [perhaps someone else can post?]

http://www.justkampers.com/forum2/viewtopic.php?f=15&t=154721&p=2173707&hilit=steering+*#p2173707" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

 

[Deckie27]

Sorry for bringing up this old thread but where do you put in the oil.
My box has a clung as you pass the center point

Cheers

 

[bluenose]

Sorry for bringing up this old thread but where do you put in the oil.
My box has a clung as you pass the center point

Cheers

there's a plastic red cap you pull out

 

[67westy]

Sorry for bringing up this old thread but where do you put in the oil.
My box has a clung as you pass the center point

Cheers

Not sure what you mean by clung but if it goes stiff you might need to adjust it a bit as well.

 

[Deckie27]

Sorry for bringing up this old thread but where do you put in the oil.
My box has a clung as you pass the center point

Cheers

Not sure what you mean by clung but if it goes stiff you might need to adjust it a bit as well.

thanks for the plug. Never seen it on any diagrams

I'll try and record the sound

 

[uber cool]

a slight clunk as you go past centre is normal. As long as you dont have too much play or tight spots it should be fine. but check the oil level as well.

 

[Deckie27]

Thanks found my red cap

It was down a bit on oil
What is the capacity of the box?

Please see/hear the clunk in the video below.
I had a little helper.
[youtube]ToPRnYaLiwM[/youtube]


I think there's a little play in the first joint of the drag link also

 

[uber cool]

that's a bit more of a clunk than I though it would be. maybe check all the arms and joints for wear. Oil wise I just fill till it comes out of the red capped hole.