230 manual steering leak

[catchersmit]

Does anybody have a source for a seal/rebuild kit for the 230 manual steering box? Mine is leaking where the pitman arm is attached to the box. I have looked (I think) everywhere.

[ctaylor738]

You can try a Mercedes dealer.  The EPC shows the following as "Optional with," meaning any of them should work.

001 997 93 46
002 997 71 46
002 997 72 46

[catchersmit]

Thanks.  I'll try.

[alchemist]

Leaking of steering box of older Mercedes is notorious. If the leak is minor, I would just add transmission fluid to the reservoir, it is cheaper and easier than repairing it. I have several of them and they all leak, I do have a repair kit, but I never used it.

[Stimorolgum]

Thanks for the info.
My steering box is a bit wet, guess I have to live with it. The seals seem to be in good condition.
Is there a way to drain the manual steering box or just suck out the fluid from the top?

Should I fill it to the top through the crew on top of the box?

Cheers 

[Benz Dr.]

Most, but not all seals are standard issue. I expect that seal would be readily available if you had the size.

Manual steering box uses gear lube as there is no pressurized fluid being used.

[Charles 230SL]

Several years ago I replaced both the pitman arm and steering shaft seals on my 230's manual steering box. Bud's Benz had the seals and there really wasn't anything special about them. you'll need to pull the steering box to get to the seals and while you have it out, may be a good idea to go ahead and replace the nylon bushings for the steering coupler.

[turbinmech]

I have a 66 230sl that had a bad steering gear box leak. You may try to get a seal kit and reseal it ,but most of the time it doesn't work. I found a very good gear box rebuilder on line called C&M hydraulics. I bought a rebuilt box from them thru a vender and installed it . No more leaks and better steering response. The only thing is that on early 230sl models there is coupler above the box that the bushings on the steering coupler were out. These must be replaced at the same time as the box is replaced.  Once that is done you have a tight leak free responsive steering system.
Cheers  John P Kelly Livermore Ca