A leaking steering unit does not have to mean that you have to get a completely new steering unit. The following steps are typically taken by a specialist to repair the fault on your steering unit.
Finding the Source
To repair a leaking steering unit a mechanic will start by cleaning the unit to inspect for any leaks whilst the unit is exterior to the vehicle. After which the unit is refitted to the vehicle and the engine is started. Once the unit is hot the fluid will start to move about inside the unit and the exact spot of the leak will become visible. Typically a leaking steering unit has been caused by one of the seals failing. These can be the input shaft seal, the output shaft seal or even the sector shaft seal.
Draining and Dismantling
The unit is fully taken down on the bench and all the internal components cleaned of any fluid or contamination. As a rough guide most steering boxes are worth repairing as the housing is generally sound and only the seals have gone leaking.
Replacing Seals and Gaskets
There is more on Steering Box at https://westernpowersteering.co.uk/steering-parts/box/.
Cleaning and Reassembly
All internal surfaces will have been cleaned and checked for scoring before the steering box housing is reassembled and any new seals torqued to the correct setting.
Refilling With Fluid
For a proper diagnosis, the steering unit is refilled with the appropriate fluid, i.e. mineral-based power steering fluid or ATF, depending on the car model.
Road Testing
Check for any residual seepage after road testing, and then return to the workshop to check for any excessive play in the steering.
A proper repair, carried out in proper order, will provide a long term solution to the problem, and allow for many years of trouble free motoring, with correct feeling and function to the steering.
