Leaking steering relay

samc88 · Dec 23, 2013

The relay on my series 3 started leaking the other day for some reason.

My question is, can I change the lower oil seal in situ or is it worth taking it out and giving it a good overhaul, new thrust washers and seals top and bottom and a good clean up?

To take it out do I have to take the front end (rad and front panel) off or can it be done with everything still in place?

divie · Dec 23, 2013

"Do I take it out" Grown men have been seen weeping trying to remove these. You may be lucky. Rad panel out and do in situ if it is tight in chassis, watch out for bloody big spring.

samc88 · Dec 23, 2013

divie said:
"Do I take it out" Grown men have been seen weeping trying to remove these. You may be lucky. Rad panel out and do in situ if it is tight in chassis, watch out for bloody big spring.

I can try

I'm hoping as the chassis was new 10 years ago it hasn't been in as long as the practically welded in with rust exaples on older chassis (hopefully)- probably be a right PITA now I've said that.

So if it will come out, I dont have to take the rad panel off? Only if I need to do it in situ?

zeaphod · Dec 23, 2013

As mentioned above, these have a bloody big spring in them. Be careful. I had to cut mine out of the old chassis. You might get away with using a bottle jack or similar to shift it. It will probably come apart violently - after that, you'll need a good vice to get it back together.

Blackburn · Dec 23, 2013

You can change the seal in place but if shaft is corroded it will leak again in six months worth doing though so you can overhaul in the summer.
Remove steering arm clean around shaft remove small plate closest to shaft Remove seal and replace refit small plate.
Spring cannot jump out as bushes will be expanded to remove you have to drive shaft down ward with a hammer.

samc88 · Dec 23, 2013

Cheers guys, think I'll give it ago and do it all, be worth it in the long run I hope

Looking at bits and pieces from craddocks and found this thread which is a pretty good one to show how to do it

How to rebuild a steering relay.

Will watch out for that spring dont worry!

Blackburn · Dec 23, 2013

Interesting did not know the seal land was replaceable will probably restrip mine next summer as bottom end was worn [I cheated and turned it around so it was at top].
Edit:- Part is not listed in my parts book!
But is available
http://www.brit-car.co.uk/product.php/412530/0/distance_piece_steering_shaft

Leaking steering relay

samc88

Drivels spiritual representative

divie

Well-Known Member

samc88

Drivels spiritual representative

zeaphod

Well-Known Member

Blackburn

Well-Known Member

samc88

Drivels spiritual representative

Blackburn

Well-Known Member

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