Pics and ?s about leaking steering box

[bodyart27]

So I just noticed that my steering box is leaking. The resevoir is still just about full so I'm not leaking a ton, but I'd like to know what makes sense at this point.

Rebuild kit ($30+)? And is it worth the time vs. a "rebuilt" steering box at $250-$300. My steering is still relatively good, so I don't think the box is really worn out (185K miles). Does a rebuilt box give me a lot more life expectancy? What else should I replace at this time - the fill and return lines from the power steering pump?

Here is the leak from the top

[bodyart27]

leak from the bottom...

Also am I correct that this is a major PITA job (pain in the rear)

[bodyart27]

I'm just shoving this thread to the top once more to see if anyone has any thoughts / insight on leaking steering boxes..

[Stevo]

I would be interested to hear from someone that can answer your question too. I have heard its a PIA to change out . One of the members here says using anything but "power steering fluid" will cause seals to leak but I think its in the later cars, he was talking about, not sure. I cant see in your pics where its leaking, probably need new glasses

[BF_JC230]

hello
if your concern is just removale and a reinstall of a fresh one - its no big deal to get it out...i had mine out in about 1/2 hour or so (maybe it just felt like that...)...you will need front end tools to disconnect everything, and then the three bolts through the frame are torqued good but should come free easily..i did it with my wheel still on...can not say anything on reinstall - have not done it. -Jake

ps this was all on a w123 sedan.

[psfred]

Unless it leaks enough you have to refill the reservoir on a regular basis, I'd personally leave it alone til it did. A small amount of PS fluid on the box doesn't bother me much.

If it leaves oil drops on the drive, I'd fix. I personally would replace the seals unless it looked like too much of a PITA or required tools more expensive than an exhange.

Peter

[bodyart27]

Any insight or pros or cons on a rebuild kit ($30ish) versus a rebuilt box? ($250-300) beside price?

What is the life expectancy on these things if I go with the gasket kit on a steering box with 185K miles. Meaning, is it dumb to put new gaskets on a box with that many miles on it? Right now the steering seems fine...

[psfred]

How much play does it have, and has the freeplay at the wheel been adjusted yet?

If it has normal free play and it has not been adjusted, it's certainly worth the seal kit instead of a rebuilt box.

If it's sloppy and has already been adjsted once or more, a rebuilt box makes more sense since it will need parts replacement soon anyway.

Peter