My 1968 280SL manual steering gearbox leaks oil from the steering shaft at the steering (Pittman) arm. From my reading and discussion with others, the options to stop the leak are to, (1) purchase a reconditioned gearbox for approximately $1000, or (2) to completely disassemble the gearbox and install the 2 new seals and a new gasket on the gearbox housing cover. Both options involve removing and reinstalling the gearbox on the car. If the gearbox is disassembled, the end float of the worm and the pressure on the steering shaft must be readjusted following complex procedures.
It seems to me that it just might be possible to remove the Pittman arm with the gearbox on the car, pick out the old leaking seal with an awl, and then drive in a new seal using a suitable pipe drift. Has anyone ever tried this? If successful, it would save a lot of work and money.