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steering box

TNTriumph

Senior Member
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Ok I had my car in the shop a long time ago to get some work done on the steering box because you might as well be a olympic weight lifter to try and turn it at slow speeds. Long story short I am pretty sure the guy didn't fix it because the box the he "fixed" leaks oil out of it. Any ways for the day or two that oil auctually stay in the boxs it turns fairly smoothly. So I am going to take it out and replace the top gasket the front gasket and the bottom oil seal. If anyone has any info on how to do this I would appreciate it. Thanks guy
 
Before you tear into the steering box (not a trivial task)... since the only apparent problem is a leak there are 3 things that might help.

1) Can you see where it is leaking? Sometimes just tightening that big nut on the end of the box will stop a leak (there's an olive on the end of the stator tube that seals the end of the tube that projects out of the box).

2) For a small leak I added a couple of tablespoons of an oil 'stop leak' product to my steering box. This stuff softens up old rubber seals that have hardened. That is what worked for me.

3) Some people just use grease in the box... I have even seen some who have fitted a grease nipple to the top plate though one could just remove the top plate and load the box with grease. I have even heard that Land Rovers with a similar box specify grease as it holds up better when immersed in water.
 
Try a tablespoon of brake fluid, DOT 4 & see if it swells up the seal before you tear into it.
 
Moss sells "Penrite", a bit pricey, but a very nice thick consistency, and it comes in a slick applicator bottle that makes it easy to use. I poured about a 1/3 bottle into my 3A that sat for 20+ years, and found no leaks... it's good stuff!
 
After looking at the box it seems to be coming out of that little tube in the fron of the box. I tired to tighten the nut as much as a could and it still leaks. Any more advice. thanks guys
 
I assume you have a side-screen TR. The brass seal inside must be leaking. Disconnect the wires (don't cut them) and take off the hex nut you tried to tighten. Slide off the old brass seal (olive) and go buy one (or a pack of them at your local auto parts supplier) for a dollar. Put it back and the leak will be gone.
 
Yep, sounds like you got lucky... that is the simplest leak to fix.

Oh, when you remove the nut whatever oil is still in there will promptly drain out so be ready for that.
 
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