Disco 2 Steering box drop arm but. Quick confirmation please

Disco 2 TD5 2001. Need to remove the drop arm from the steering box. Don't have a socket big enough to fit the big nut that holds it to the output shaft, so I need to buy one. Can anyone confirm the nut size is 40mm please?

Many thanks.

Never mind. Got nut off ok, it is 40mm. The drop arm however will not budge. Looks like I'll be taking the box off, and if I'm doing that I just as well swap it for a reconditioned one.

Why do you need drop arm off ??

Magicgrotto said:

Why do you need drop arm off ??

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I would think its to replace the output shaft seal or is there another way to do it?

Hi. Yes, wanted to replace the output shaft seals as it's leaking. Spent the day underneath it with pullers and hammers, but it's stuck fast. I knew it was likely to be a pain, but wanted to try this first before the other option of replacing the whole unit.

Haystacks said:

Hi. Yes, wanted to replace the output shaft seals as it's leaking. Spent the day underneath it with pullers and hammers, but it's stuck fast. I knew it was likely to be a pain, but wanted to try this first before the other option of replacing the whole unit.

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I had ago at removing the drop arm in my RR days it came off but I broke the puller doing it a HD one which I hired, so replaced the seal and the bits it came with and it stopped the drips until six when's later then I found it dripping... I didn't muck about and booked it in at my local LR main dealer for a brand new replacement at £225 parts and labour which was great then and would be brilliant now if you still could.

Not only was the seal worn but the output shaft as well, so no hope in a permanent repair, also not much better with some refurbished steering boxes I understand from some forums.

RAVE does recommend removing the steering box from the vehicle and using a puller LRT-57-012, but by the sound of it that's easier said than done.

Thanks discool. Yes, seen a lot about them. There are refurbished boxes on a well know auction site, with 2 years warranty on an exchange basis, for £169. Seems a good price. May just go down that route.

Yes brian47, seen that. Some people have said they have had success doing it in situ, so wanted to try it. If I take the box off, I think I had just as well fit a refurbished one really. Thanks.

Have you tried SMACKING It with TWO HAMMERS ??

Don't be gay plenty of penetrating spray and not WD40 beat both sides

d2 box does normal fix well with a seal change,pullers and whacking normally works

jamesmartin said:

d2 box does normal fix well with a seal change,pullers and whacking normally works

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Maybe I should remove the box and try that. Main problem in whacking it from underneath is the access. Can't really get a good swing on the hammer. Used a breaker bar to tighten up the puller, so it was using some force. Tempted to try again today.

Magicgrotto said:

Have you tried SMACKING It with TWO HAMMERS ??

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Just don't force it ......... use bigger 'ammers.

Rain stopped play today. Better tomorrow hopefully, so will have another shot at it in the afternoon, after work. Borrowed a bigger hammer!

After whacking mine (the steering box) with a vairety of different hammers and number of hammers and getting the puller on there I can only say as it would take "scotty several light years to fix captn" get a rebuilt box.
The seals fail cause the bearings are going.

pete1987RRC said:

After whacking mine (the steering box) with a vairety of different hammers and number of hammers and getting the puller on there I can only say as it would take "scotty several light years to fix captn" get a rebuilt box.
The seals fail cause the bearings are going.

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This was my initial thought. Steering feels good though. If I can get a new seal in and stop the leak for another 12-18 months maybe and put off the expense of changing the box over for a bit, I'd be happy. I do feel if I can't remove the drop arm in situ though, and would have to remove the box to do it, the best option then would be to put a reconditioned box on.

Nope.....it ain't having it. Drop arm will not budge. After 2 days of trying, I've had enough, so will order a reconditioned box. What a pain of a job!

Haystacks said:

Nope.....it ain't having it. Drop arm will not budge. After 2 days of trying, I've had enough, so will order a reconditioned box. What a pain of a job!

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Yup I still remember my day with a drop arm like it was yesterday but it wasn't it was 24 years ago.
I wouldn't even look at it now if my disco steering box was leaking I'd get a garage to sort.

It must be just the way it is with leaking steering boxes my RR was 5 years old and leaked, my disco will be 19 years in September and still no leaks.

Just remember it's bloody heavy so move anything delicate from arround it before you take it out.