Hi guys,

I came out to my Defender this morning to find a small puddle of power steering fluid on the floor under the steering box, which is annoying as it has only covered 42k miles.

The steering has felt slightly odd of late, it was very easy to turn the wheel, especially left, but now that the box is actually leaking the normal stiffness has returned...

Anyway, I've been quoted €1,665.00 by Land Rover here in Albertville, France to replace the box, but I'm hoping that I can keep it going just by topping up the fluid until I can get home in May.

Firstly, I know it's technically an MOT fail but has anyone done this, or does anyone have a quick fix I can use to keep it going for the next couple of months?

Secondly, how much should I be looking at for a replacement box and fitting in the UK? Are there any reputable garages in the Berkshire area (not Rovertune and not Nick Kerner) that people can recommend? Don't mind travelling for good workmanship.

Cheers, Paul.

p.s. I've attached a pic of my Landy in the snow

http://www.brookwell.co.uk/products/DEFENDER/all/TD5/Steering/Steering_Box/Steering_Box_-_Power

Looks like the steering box itself would be 600 euros...

This thread has some useful thoughts http://www.defender2.net/forum/post91705.html

It shouldn't be that big a job for a half decent mechanic so I would have thought 3 hours would be PLENTY of time for them. Even at 100 euros an hour which it would never usually be that's 900 which is a considerable drop from your France quote. Its a long drive back so keep that in mind, it will only get worse.

I would have a look on Landyzone international rescue for folk closer to you in France (there are quite a few) and then get them to recommend a decent garage. You can always chat beforehand and order a replacement box in and just pay them a couple of hours grunt effort to fit it.

Hi Eric,

Thanks for the links, I am actually waiting on a little indie not too far from me to give me a quote so hopefully it won't be as ridiculous as Land Rover

I'll take a look on in the international rescue too, thanks for the heads up

https://www.landyzone.co.uk/land-ro...cue-map-everything-you-needed-to-know.191412/
Just in case you thought it was an external site.

The map link is here

https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewe...ll=13.190733467617036,-48.478312500000015&z=2