04 Steering Gear Top Plate Leak
 

Hey Guys,

I've been reading older posts about PS Fluid leaks from the steering gear, most of which point towards replacing the gear.

I made mine squeaky clean and traced a pinpoint leak to one corner of the top plate on the steering gear, (the one with 4 bolts holding it down). It's an extremely slow, minor leak. Seems like the scenario a PS Fluid with stop leak would be perfect for. I know a lot of guys say no to the stop leak, as well as using anything but the Land Rover fluid (eats the seals etc.), though I don't buy that second part. Have seen one run 10 years plus with Valvoline PS and no issues.

In any case I haven't taken a LR steering gear apart yet, and I haven't seen a seal or gasket available that looks like that top rectangular plate, but I gotta think opening it up, cleaning it, and using an appropriate gasket maker would solve the issue. Seems wasteful to chuck a silent, perfectly operating gearbox away for replacement due to teeny drip from it's casing.

What did you do? What do you think?

ALSO: Just installed new PS pump and all new hoses, no leaks anywhere else, just the corner of the steering gear.

kit QFW100180 includes a seal/gasket for the cover plate. I'd start with that. Also check the torque on the 4 bolts

Thanks for the tips...is that top plate seal a circlar shape? I guess I was assuming a rectangular gasket as I didn't see it in the kits. Also, found an online source citing 66 fp on the torque, anyone know for certain? Thanks.