Although my power steering is functioning as expected and is not a problem I am now running a total loss system! As part of the my rebuild I replaced the seals on my power steering box as it was leaking. This solved the leak and for the first time in a long time I had dry pas box. About 6k miles after the rebuild (3months) it began leaking again and steadily got worse. Now 12k (6 moths) down the line I am getting through a full reservoir of fluid every week. Rather than try and replace the seals again I would rather just get a recon box and be done with it in the hope that it will then be leak free for a while to come.

I asked this question a couple of years ago (link) and the recommendation were Kelly Bray (@payydg) and WPS Bristol (@tottot). There also looks to be lots of suppliers on ebay which was mentioned previously as well. I am just after a recommendation for somewhere reputable so I do not end up in the same position where in 6 months time I am literally pouring oil out of the bottom of it again.

I have had the same problem on a previous defender
.
I Just brought a used unit and rebuilt it carefully on the bench.
Popped it onto the truck and it was fine for years after.
Would it not be cheaper to do that ?

how much do you want to spend

New boxes go for like 700-1200 - https://www.lrdirect.com/qaf500110-gear-assy-steering
Recon boxes for like 250ish with exchange etc - https://www.paddockspares.com/qaf00...ce-includes-100-00-gbp-exc-vat-surcharge.html - ebay etc
Seal kit for like 20

I guess you have to make the decision of what route you want to take

Phillip Of The Fens said:

I have had the same problem on a previous defender
.
I Just brought a used unit and rebuilt it carefully on the bench.
Popped it onto the truck and it was fine for years after.
Would it not be cheaper to do that ?

Click to expand...

That is what I have already done. It was out on the bench and had a seal Kit fitted which successfully prevented it leaking for about 6k miles. So as it is now worse than ever I am not Looking to try and rebuild myself again as I have down that and is didn’t work. With the mileage I do if a recon starts leaking after 6k miles it should still be well under Warrantee so can be sent back with a complaint.

Am I correct in assuming that all 4 bolt steering boxes are the same for a RHD vehicle? And therefore the only reason the paddocks version (link) is listed as a discovery is because it comes fitted with a discovery drop arm (easy to swap over as my drop arm was recently removed to replace the seals in my now leaking box)

If that is the case I will probably go with them as by the time the surcharge is refunded they are one of the cheapest and although there are horror stories out there I have never had an issue with their customer service if there is an issue in the 12month warrantee period.

The multi spline shaft connecting the box to the steering column is also different - everything fits . diameter and length etc - the disco one has a different recess to accommodate the bolt
this is from personal experience as I got a defender box into my D1 - also in SA and not sure if the uk ones might not have this diff

D1Nut said:

The multi spline shaft connecting the box to the steering column is also different - everything fits . diameter and length etc - the disco one has a different recess to accommodate the bolt
this is from personal experience as I got a defender box into my D1 - also in SA and not sure if the uk ones might not have this diff

Click to expand...

cheers for the info, from that is sounds like I am better getting one that is definitely for a defender as I have that option.