Adventioneering

I ordered a new LR steering box, hoses, and pitman drop arm today. The basic story with the steering boxes is that like everything else on a LR, they eventually leak. Usually they don’t wear out so much as the seals, requiring a rebuild. And it is possible to rebuild them yourself, which a number of people have done.

It requires improvising some tools. Some tips I’ve heard are – to get the mainseal out, remove the retaining hardware while it’s still on the truck, then turn the steering. The force of the fluid will blow it out (and I imagine make a huge mess). Don’t use OEM seals, since they were responsible for you rebuilding the box in the first place. Look for Zeus seals.

I didn’t want to rebuild the box – partly because of time, partly not wanting to mess with it, and mostly because I want something I can really trust. Parts America wanted a fortune for reman boxes. I found remans for $295+$160 core from this place carsteering.com, which seemed kind of shady. Atlantic British (who I can’t recommend enough) had new boxes for $499 no core, including a new pitman arm. Sold!

I also am replacing all the hoses while I am in there, either because they are leaking now (not sure – can’t tell with all the crud) or will be soon and I only want to do the job once. $109, also from AB.