Steering Gearbox

[n/a]

The output shaft on my power steering gearbox has started leaking.  Looking in the parts manual it shows an o-ring and my question is, has anyone changed this?  It looks like it might quite a chore.  Thanks

Doug
1966 230SL

Doug Goins

[jeffc280sl]

Hi Doug,

I installed a complete seal set in my power steering gearbox last year.  I surmize that your leak is around the bottom of the pitman arm shaft.  If my memory is correct there are a couple of o rings to install.  I think there is also a oil seal that is pressed into place from the outside.  If you have the same parts manual I have the o rings, oval seal and oil seal are pictured in the top center of the page.  I think the could all be replaced without removing the entire box.  Would want an expert here to verify this before proceeding. Drain pwr steering fluid. Remove the piman arm and unbolt the the bottom piece which holds the seals. Install new seals and reassemble.  

I'll be interested to see if others think this can be accomplished with the box still on the car.

Jeff C.
1970 280SL 4-speed

[Ben]

Is the Pitman arm a bear to get off ?

I have a used pump here that I plan to recondition before using !

Regards,
Ben in Ireland.
'64 230SL 4sp.
'03 CLK Kompressor

[n/a]

I used a tie rod puller to get the pitman arm off and it came off pretty easy.  After that it was no problem to get the bottom plate off the gearbox.  With the plate came the seal and o ring, which is no problem to replace.  Thanks Jeff for the information and I think this will fix my leak.

This was done with the gearbox on the car.

Doug

Doug Goins

[n/a]

I used a tie rod puller to get the pitman arm off and it came off pretty easy.  After that it was no problem to get the bottom plate off the gearbox.  With the plate came the seal and o ring, which is no problem to replace.  Thanks Jeff for the information and I think this will fix my leak.

This was done with the gearbox on the car.

Doug

Doug Goins

[ted280sl]

I have a smal leak from the top of my power steering box. I understand that there is an "O" ring which needs to be replaced on top. I assume that this dialogue is referring to a different "O" ring. Will I have to remove the pitman arm to access the top "O" ring? Can I just remove the top bolts and install a new "O" ring?
Thanks,
Ted 1969 280sl w/ leaky power steering box that really is not to bad

[jeffc280sl]

Your welcome Doug.  Glad to be of help.

Ben,

The pitman arm is difficult to get off if you don't have the right tool.  Buy or rent a good pitman arm puller to get the job done.

Ted,
There is an o ring that seals the round disk on the top side of the gearbox.  I believe others have replaced it without removing the box.  The disk is threaded on the bolt which extends through its center.  There is a cap nut and locking nut on top of the disk.  Take special care to remember the the location of the nuts and disk because they provide tension on the power steering box to remove play.



Jeff C.
1970 280SL 4-speed

[Ben]

Thanks Doug and Jeff !

I have a ball joint seperator somewhere here so if it fits good I'll try it !

Regards,
Ben in Ireland.
'64 230SL 4sp.
'03 CLK Kompressor