steering gearbox

[Midamregal]

i have a 96 se7 discovery with the steering gearbox leaking badly . i'm not sure whether i should buy a new gearbox or a used or rebuilt one? i'm told the seals in the rebuild kit don't last.anyone have any experience or advice on this? we're planning a long road trip in a few weeks so i'm leaning towards a new one for reliability reasons.any advice appreciated. thnx

 

[joey]

Is it the gearbox leaking, or the hoses? My hoses (low pressure one) leaked like a crazy person with the window down in the rain... I changed the hose and the cheap clamps and no more leaks.... I would also add some Lucas transmission fix and see if that helps before buying a new one.

 

[Maddie]

My low pressure hose leaks as well joey. Where did you buy your hose? And I assume a good stainless set of hose clamps are best

Thanks

Maddie

 

[Midamregal]

steering gaerbox

thanks for the quick reply joey. it started out as a slow seep that i could never really pinpoint only that i could positvely rule out any hoses were leaking. so iv'e been using the lucas trans. fluid with great success until recently when it started litrelly trickling out of what seems to be the seal where the shaft exits the gearbox and then bolts onto the steering column lower u-joint (sorry, can't seem to find the correct terminology for this part of the gearbox). i called around and am told i can purchase a rebiuld kit containing all new seals for this gearbox but they don't make a replacement part for where i have the leak? so i'm leaning towards doing it right and spend the neccessary money on a new gearbox. any advice on where i might get the best price and also what is your experience with the reliability of a remanufactured gearbox? much appreciated

 

[Disco Mike]

Lucas tranny additive is not going to fix a p/s leak. Is it a hose, loose clamp or seal? They can be rebuilt, if it is one of the hoses, consider replacing all of them which can be found on line at Atlantic British, Rover Connection or any of the other sites. Make sure you inspect the low pressure hose to make sure the clamp hasn't come loose.

 

[joey]

Low pressure hose, I bought some oil resistant hose of the correct size at Napa... took my old hose off and bought 6 feet of new stuff (had enough to do a couple Rovers) sorry, used it all.

Good everyday clamps work, just avoid the clip junk that comes on the rover.

As far as a rebuilt unit or rebuild kit... call Nathan in my Signature, he will take care of you.

 

[wolf]

Lucas won't fix it but it will keep it going: i.e., this is just a steering box and as long as critical components are working run it with Lucas - that will slow down the leak and you may get a few more years out of the unit yet! Case in point - my own steering g-box was seeping away when I first got my Disco back in the fall of 1995 - guess what? Lucas has kept her going through thick and thin. To be sure, if you are getting shakes or rattles out of the unit - its time to dole out some cash. But its not the steering pump - where you can shear bearings and do all manner of expensive damage to other pulleys on the serp belt line - so why not take advantage of its ability to self-lubricate your undercarriage? Some people would pay good money for such frequent rust proofing (LoL)!

I am just a big believer in making something work to its max service life plus that makes driving far more entertaining: i.e., you can contemplate such things as "will my steering g-box pack it in today on the freeway or not?"