When to replace steering box?

[RayDunn]

I have a steering box that works fine, but has a large leak (lost all fluid while parked the last few days). When fluid is in the system it operates fine. I would like to avoid replacing the steering box because it works, but do not want it leaking either. I guess my question is really this: Is replacing the steering box the correct fix for an excessive leak?

Also, I read some past posts that mention using Lucas w/ stop leak. Would this do anything for a large leak, or would it be better for the "typical" LR leaks?

Thanks!

95 Disco
135k Miles

 

[NVRover]

Ray, some on here have had their steering boxes rebuilt with some varying degrees of success. The sure way to fix the leak is replacement. That was the advice I was given by my LR master mechanic.

 

[Aaron98Disco]

Lucas works.. might need a few trys though. Also check the hose clamps. notorious leak spot.

 

[barefoot]

x2 on the hose clamps! very very common to leak right from under the resevoir, down the tubing and off the box. i have replaced this crappy factory clamp with the bolt style clamps! try to get under there and isolate the leak!

 

[Darren M.]

I run my truck on Lucas power steering stop leak full time. If I put regular power steering fluid in, it will pour out like water from a faucet. Check you hoes to make sure they aren't leaking, and if the are replace them.. Then go out and get two truck sized bottles of Lucas. Keep pouring it in until the leak stops. Two bottles should do the trick.

 

[RayDunn]

I'll give Lucas a try and see what happens. All the hoses are new (because of previous leaks). Thanks for help.

 

[Reddisco1]

I have a steering box that works fine, but has a large leak (lost all fluid while parked the last few days). When fluid is in the system it operates fine. I would like to avoid replacing the steering box because it works, but do not want it leaking either. I guess my question is really this: Is replacing the steering box the correct fix for an excessive leak?
Also, I read some past posts that mention using Lucas w/ stop leak. Would this do anything for a large leak, or would it be better for the "typical" LR leaks?
Thanks!
95 Disco
135k Miles

Lucas worked for awhile, now it's leaking again, not as bad as before.

 

[96discoI]

I have had great success with lucas. My leak has only come when I leave stress in the mechanism after parking it- i.e. turning the wheels too far and shutting down the engine. I have had pints pour out overnight all over the floor twice. the second time I realized it was from leaving tension on the parts by turning the wheels as I said before. the first time I used lucas it worked for months, and this last time that I had to use it has been the last I hope, and it has been at least a year if not two. so ,go lucas- it works

 

[Steve Rupp]

I think you're just avoiding the inevitable with Lucas. If it's leaking that much fluid it's not all coming from the reservoir lines. I'd pony up and get a new box.

 

[ptschram]

I think you're just avoiding the inevitable with Lucas. If it's leaking that much fluid it's not all coming from the reservoir lines. I'd pony up and get a new box.

X2. I finally gave up when it was pouring out as fast as I could pour it back in. In my case, it was coming out of the seal around the shaft where the steering wheel attached.

 

[nosivad_bor]

lucas will buy some time, but time for a new pump. Do it now and get it over with.

 

[Errant]

Check you hoes to make sure they aren't leaking

Sorry, but this really made me laugh

 

[Springsroverfamily]

X2. I finally gave up when it was pouring out as fast as I could pour it back in. In my case, it was coming out of the seal around the shaft where the steering wheel attached.

Mine was leaking from the same place. My father and I worked together and had it replaced in about 5 hours. It really was a straight foward job but very messy which I am sure helped with all of the frame bolts being so easy to remove. The steering shaft was a bit rusted so lube it ahead of time.

 

[JLS]

Just replace that seal. I did it on mine and it was easy!!! I pulled the old seal out x-refrenced the number and got a new from the local parts store and all is good now!!! The new one was a little tight but if I remeber corectly I used a deep socket to pund it back in...

 

[95.D1.Rick]

I think you're just avoiding the inevitable with Lucas. If it's leaking that much fluid it's not all coming from the reservoir lines. I'd pony up and get a new box.

X3 . Change it, nobody wants you dumping hydraulic fluid in their drive. It wont get any better, and the Lucas is great at postponing what you will eventually figure out yourself. All 3 hoses too. Not a big deal, there's volumes of how-to on this here, dig in.

 

[Springsroverfamily]

Mine got to the point where the lucas was leaking as bad as the power steering fluid. If it that bad either fix it or replace it. I have heard fixiing it sometimes doesnt work.

 

[nosivad_bor]

to answer your question of "when " do you change the box, the answer is on a nice day.