Just picked up my '97 4.0L XJ. I fixed a leaking transmission cooling line, which wasn't too bad.

Now I've discovered another leak. The steering box is leaking from the input shaft. It's a slow drip coming off the bottom only after it's been driven. I was up above the steering box today changing the transmission line and I didn't see any leaks from above. Given that, I'm fairly certain it's from the box.

What are my chances of fixing it with a new gasket? Are there any good threads to show me how to fix the gasket? This is my first XJ I've owned, so I'm new to working on these.

Thanks!

 

If your referring to that little red drip about to fall as the suspected leak from your steering box I'd beg to say your wrong and that's residual fluid from your Trans line. Powersteering fluid when fresh is clear, and when it's old it's more brown - not red in color Unless for some reason they used trans fluid in the steering box which isn't good anyways

 

No, not the red. That’s not trans fluid, I’m not exactly sure what that is. It’s a mark of some sort, not fluid.

It was low on power steering when I bought it, filled it up, and it’s slowing leaking away. I’ve watched it drip from between the gear box and the steering shaft. Caught the fluid in a gloved hand and it for sure was steering fluid.

The gear box looked suspiciously clean and the crossmember (?) for the radiator was pretty loose, so I think someone has been down there before. Some new front suspension parts, too. I’m wondering if someone did a bad repair or messed it up before.

 

My steering box started to leak with just a few drips after driving.. It was suggested to try AT-205 Re-seal.....I did and it hasn't leaked since May 2022....

 

Not a big fan of snake oil, but with a personal recommendation, must be worth a try, especially as the leak is quite minor (at the moment)

 

Given everything on my '92 is leaking I noticed that the seal / rebuild kits are very cheap for these and plan to just rebuild mine once I get to that step.

 

I would make sure it isnt leaking from a fracture in the hose

wipe it down with a white cloth until perfectly clean, start motor and look for weep

I am fairly certain there are instructions in the FSM and youtubes on how to overhaul the steering box

Its not all that difficult to take steering boxes apart, but getting them back together right usually is tricky

Inspect the shaft where the seal tracks run and linish them