Steering box fault

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chrisstdt

Well-Known Member
Posts
923
Location
scottish borders
I fitted a second hand 4 bolt steering box to my defender
Oil started to turn milky ,I assumed maybe some water in the box so I changed it several times but problem remains

Box has now locked up (turns fully to the right but won't turn left past mid point)
I've tried with with steering shaft and steering bar off drop arm and it won't shift with an 18lb fore hammer !

Anyone had this ? glad it didn't happen at speed (I was moving car on drive at the time)


Anyone recommend a reputable firm that rebuilds them ad I've had problems with refurb boxes I the past
 
Bad refurbs often result in leakage from the bottom seal as the sector shaft hasn't been replaced with a new one (or repaired & reground) & the area the seal seals on is often worn and/or pitted so a new seal doesn't last long.
Common issue & also often a reason for people fitting a recon box in the first place having fitted a new seal to their leaky box & found it then leaks again shortly afterwards.

Not that difficult to deal with, a speedisleeve to cover the damaged area & fit a new seal.
Did that on my own RRC some years ago & - touch wood - still fine.
Easier if the box is removed from the car & done on the bench.
Doesn't need the box stripping.
Best to remove the drop arm whilst still on the car as they can be a PITA.
They work on the input shaft too!

I'm sure there's a 'how to' on here somewhere that showed someone doing one - possibly with photobucket photos that disappeared when PB decided to start charging - which gives the correct size speedisleeve.
If I find a link I'll put it up.

ETA
"When I did my RRC steering box - 4 bolt - that was ****ing out the bottom I used a 31.75mm Speedisleeve (SKF 99125) driven in from the bottom over the worn/damaged area of the output shaft using a length of close fitting tube followed by fitting the seal kit with the blue seal.
That was 18 months ago & not a drop since.
The write-up I found was by Nigelw on Landytown. I've just had a quick look & it's still there but the photos have gone.*
Didn't strip the box but removed it from the car as it was easier on the bench. Amazing how much fluid stays in the box so best keep it in something that will stop it going all over the place!"

*
Don't think LT exists anymore so his write up & photos probably gone.
My post is from Dec 2018 & the seal's still sealing.
 
Last edited:
Bad refurbs often result in leakage from the bottom seal as the sector shaft hasn't been replaced with a new one (or repaired & reground) & the area the seal seals on is often worn and/or pitted so a new seal doesn't last long.
Common issue & also often a reason for people fitting a recon box in the first place having fitted a new seal to their leaky box & found it then leaks again shortly afterwards.

Not that difficult to deal with, a speedisleeve to cover the damaged area & fit a new seal.
Did that on my own RRC some years ago & - touch wood - still fine.
Easier if the box is removed from the car & done on the bench.
Doesn't need the box stripping.
Best to remove the drop arm whilst still on the car as they can be a PITA.
They work on the input shaft too!

I'm sure there's a 'how to' on here somewhere that showed someone doing one - possibly with photobucket photos that disappeared when PB decided to start charging - which gives the correct size speedisleeve.
If I find a link I'll put it up.

ETA
"When I did my RRC steering box - 4 bolt - that was ****ing out the bottom I used a 31.75mm Speedisleeve (SKF 99125) driven in from the bottom over the worn/damaged area of the output shaft using a length of close fitting tube followed by fitting the seal kit with the blue seal.
That was 18 months ago & not a drop since.
The write-up I found was by Nigelw on Landytown. I've just had a quick look & it's still there but the photos have gone.*
Didn't strip the box but removed it from the car as it was easier on the bench. Amazing how much fluid stays in the box so best keep it in something that will stop it going all over the place!"

*
Don't think LT exists anymore so his write up & photos probably gone.
My post is from Dec 2018 & the seal's still sealing.
Il bear that in mind if I have a leaking box
This one doesn't leak but sadly has a bigger problem
 
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