Power steering box alternatives

[jilling]

Hi Guys,
I've finally got my pre defender 130 running nicely with a 2.8 International TDi and a ZF autobox, only to be told by the dreaded WOF-man that the powersteering is leaking too badly to let it pass. I've had it rebuilt only 4 months ago so that didn't work . My Q is, I've got the 6-bolt (Gemmer) box but would a three or four bolt box be a direct replacement? There seem to be enough of those around but not the 6 bolt. ANY help (or another box) would be appreciated
Cheers!

[Ralfie]

Yes, the 3 bolt and 4 bolt will both fit. The later 4 bolt would be the better option I would think.
However I would be concerned as to why the current box has leaked after been rebuilt. It might be that the hoses into the box are not tightened enough and leaking under pressure or is it the main shaft seal. I would be going back to who ever did the work even if it was 4 months ago. Usually the waranties are 6 months or more.

[jilling]

I'll give them a good old hard time questioning why it failed so soon all right . I know that if they are going to try again they'll send it to Auckland and it'll take weeks and weeks untill it comes back and I hate that.
Thanx for your confirmation that the different boxes are interchangable.

[Windsock]

Hi Jilling,

Very interested to hear whether you got your Gemmer box sorted (did you replace or did you get it fixed etc). I also use this box and it leaks from time to time also. I use a fluid that has seal "reconditioners" in it and this seems to reseal it. Would be interested to hear what outcome you've had.

Also, hows that International engine going for you on the Autobox. Any fuel consumption figures been calculated yet. Looked at this option for my pre-defender 110 but then a very cheap and very good condition LD28 became available, no regrets yet.

Cheers

[jilling]

Hi, I haven't tried any seal reconditioners but that wasn't the problem anyway; I've got new seals. There is about .4mm of sideway play in the output shaft which is not enough to for the seal to lose contact with the shaft but at full pressure oil will get past it. The only way would be to eliminate the play and for that I need a new sector shaft. These are only available from LandRover and cost an arm and two legs. In the end I chickened out and grabbed a RR four bolt box on trade me, all good now...
For the International engine, it is awsome. I installed it with a full width intercooler as I did not have one fitted before (the truck came with a TD engine) It is a perfect match for the disco gearbox too. My next step will be getting taller tyres and reverting back to the old transferbox. I have not done any calcs on the fuel consumption but where a full tank took me 450km away with the TD, I now have a range of 550 to 600km....... I the only drawback is that it's a relatively expensive engine compared to second hand options but then, for a new engine it is cheap. Still a lot of money though.

Cheers!