280SL Power Steering Box leak

[zoegrlh]

I have a leak in the power steering box on top at top of the steering shaft.  There is a "round nut with two small holes drilled in it, I think for a tool to screw it down, then there are two hex nuts holding that round nut down.  The top nut is a "cap nut".  I am getting a leak around the "round nut".  Does anyone have experience with this problem?  Is it a quick fix of only replacing a "O"ring?  Also, will I have to bleed the system when replacing "O"ring, (assuming that is the problem)?  And last, where would I get such a tool for the round nut?
Thanks

Robert Hyatt
Williamsburg, VA.

1970 280SL, Red on Silver,4-speed, Euro spec; 1999 C230 Kompresser Sport, Black on Black; 1990 Miata, Black on Red, 5 Speed

[jeffc280sl]

This a pretty common problem.  Do a search on steering leak using my name and you should find the info you need.  The round disk has an O ring in its edge to seal against leaks.  I suspect that's where the leak is coming from.  As you read the posts please remember the disk is threaded to the same bolt shaft as the cap nut and other lock nut.  Once the smaller nuts are removed the disk can be unscrewed by securing the end of the bolt, which is flat on two sides, and using needle nose pliers or another means to remove the disk.  It is imoprtant to return the disk to the same position on the bolt shaft because it provides tension via a spring in the steering box.

I think there are pics of this in the other posts.  It not let me know and I'll send some to you.

Jeff C.
1970 280SL 4-speed

[zoegrlh]

Thanks Jeff, good thing it's a quick fix.  Will order new "O"ring ASAP.  Only one problem, the lock nut seems to be stuck to the round nut.  Both turn when I am trying to take lock nut off.

Robert Hyatt
Williamsburg, VA.

1970 280SL, Red on Silver,4-speed, Euro spec; 1999 C230 Kompresser Sport, Black on Black; 1990 Miata, Black on Red, 5 Speed

[jeffc280sl]

Robert,

Use penetrating oil and make a tool for the two holes to hold the round disk in place while removing the nut.  My preference is to hold the disk versus the flat bolt edges on top.  I have heard that others have broken the bolt by putting too much force on it.  Use the flat edges only when removing the disk itself.

Jeff C.
1970 280SL 4-speed