Seal leaking on steering box drop arm shaft -can it be changed in situ ?

[DiscoTdi]

1997 Disco TD300

anyone know if it's possible to change the output shaft seal on the steering box without removing it from the car ?

Its the bottom seal for the output shaft that connects to the drop arm

cheers

[rbm]

yes it is possible to change the seal in situ, how ever almost with out fail the box will start leaking again very quickly.
normally the seal starts to leak when wear in the box lets the the shaft have side float, changing the seal will not remove the side float which in turn destroys the new seal.

[DiscoTdi]

Yes my initial thoughts were root cause was a worn bush in the housing, but I cant detect any play in the shaft, so I'm hoping it's just a worn seal.

Out of interest is it possible to get a replacement bush (assuming it is a bush and not bearing) ?

I have seen seal kits around but not replacement bushes.

Cheers

[rbm]

I've never seen the bushes for sale, normally you cannot feel the side float, but if the box is no spring chicken it will have wear.
at work we will not fit the seals due to the come back rate.

[DiscoTdi]

44k on the clock which judging by the condition of the vehicle could be genuine. It's been suggested I put some brake fluid in the system, to help swell the seals, seemed to work for some one else.

The leak is only slight.

Cheers

[rbm]

if the leak is only slight - why worry?

or try snake oil.

[andymach23]

I've never seen the bushes for sale, normally you cannot feel the side float, but if the box is no spring chicken it will have wear.
at work we will not fit the seals due to the come back rate.

My steering is poor on my TD5. Vague, 'Light and floaty' round bumpy corners. I don't see any visible play in the steering box that could be fixed by the backlash adjustment. I have just passed my MOT and all bushes are ok.

I put some 'Lucas PAS leak stop' in my steering and it has improved the feel when cornering. This oil is very thick. I still have a leak from the adjuster locknut area but it may not be as bad.

Could my box have 'side float' that is making the steering vague? The Lucas oil improving things makes me think it's possible.

Would it be a bad idea to tighten the backlash adjuster if there is no visible play?

Cheers

Andy

[rbm]

I wouldn't adjust it if there is no visible play.
having past an MOT means nowt, for bushes to fail they would have to be furkeled.
I would be looking at the rest of the axle set up.

[DiscoTdi]

if the leak is only slight - why worry?

or try snake oil.

the leak is slight, but over time it's still enough to drip onto my nice painted garage floor. ;)

[rbm]

the leak is slight, but over time it's still enough to drip onto my nice painted garage floor. ;)
Drip tray :D

both our cooper formula 3 cars are total loss oil systems, so you get used to mopping the floor up.

[DiscoTdi]

Drip tray :D

both our cooper formula 3 cars are total loss oil systems, so you get used to mopping the floor up.

:)