Marles Varamatic power steering leak on a 1967 Mark 2

Saloons
1

I’ve owned this car for 31 years, I usually drive it once a week. For as long as I can remember, there always was a pink puddle of power steering fluid, maybe 2 to 3 ounces, clearly visible on the linoleum mat I keep positioned under the car. Over the years, I’ve tried various remedies including Lucas stop leak as well as several other brands of power steering fluid ‘suitable for all makes and models’, most of which claim to ‘include stop leak for older cars.’ I always keep a 32 ounce container of fluid in the garage handy to add a few ounces to the reservoir before setting out on a drive. Several days ago, I set out on a 230 mile round trip excursion to attend a nearby Jaguar club event. When I returned from the successful journey, I was pleased, upon checking the reservoir, to see the level was still full. The label on the container of the most recently added fluid claimed ‘most leaks stopped after driving 200 miles.’, and I hoped there might have been some ‘truth in advertising’ on that label. However, my elation was short lived as, three days later, upon entering the garage, I viewed the familiar 2 to 3 ounces of fluid under the car. I’ve heard various rumors suggesting parts for these boxes are no longer available, and that many owners have resorted to fitting XJ6 steering racks to their cars, a route I do not wish to take. Can anyone suggest an alternative product to try, or should I just resign myself to continue adding fluid to the reservoir, as I’ve done for years? Advice would be welcome. Thanks
Mel R.

2

I have this box on 5 cars, and after havibg them rebuilt, using the seal kits readily available, none of them leak.

3

Thank you for the quick reply.
Three questions:

  1. Which suppliers have rebuild kits? SNG Barratt ( I hope)?
    2)How complex a process would replacement entail? Would the front end have to be dropped?
  2. If I do nothing, might the current rate of leakage remain constant for another 20 plus years?
    Thanks for your patience…:slight_smile:

Mel R.

4

Where are you and the car?
Try to find a shop to do it. The excellent box was used in other cars like the Land Rover, I think.
It can be removed with front axle in place on the 420G. I changed one with my mechanic in about an hour. Big hammer needed to separate the drop arm.
The leak wilm increase over time🥵

5

I’m in the Southern California area. I have a good mechanic I’ve been happy with, but I wonder if this task may require one with more specialized knowledge. Since reading your last reply, I visited the SNG Barratt site, which leaves me a bit more confused. Am I looking for an ‘inner seal’ kit or ‘outer seal’ kit? Will removing and replacing the box require a subsequent wheel alignment? Unfortunately, I’m inclined to agree with you the leak ‘may increase with time.’
Thanks
Mel R.

6

Just chiming in here but I don’t think a wheel alignment will be required but why not get one done afterwards anyway just to be sure things are pointing in the correct direction.

7

The steering box can be taken apart and the internal and external seal kits replaced, they are readily available.

I posted Videos on this recently, showing the complete job…I will edit this post and link it, you will see what is involved then

The lower seal can be replaced in situ, but didnt stop mine leaking, I replaced the box with a used, but rebuilt one.

They have the same seal kits as Landrover (Defender and other models) steering boxes for Adwest Marles in Jaguar boxes

Unless you have reasonable technical experience, I would have the rebuild completed by a steering box rebuild specialist.

have a look at the videos and decide for yourself

8

Trans X
Trans X2448×3264 2.61 MB
After consulting with various aftermarket suppliers, I was referred to a gentleman who rebuilds Marles Varamatic Adwest boxes. After discussing with him the nature & severity of the leak in mine, (lost 2 or three ounces after driving 230 miles in one day), he was honest and all knowing, and suggested before I begin removing the steering box from my car, I should try using K&W Trans X (pictured here), which he felt would stand a strong chance of curing the problem. I purchased the bottle and used a turkey baster to remove 8 ounces of what was in my reservoir, mostly a combination of various brands of power steering fluid, some claiming to have ‘stop leak additives.’ Then I added 8 ounces of Trans X to the reservoir and proceeded to drive 25 miles under varying traffic conditions. This morning I went down to the garage, to find for the first time in years, NO puddle of fluid under the car. I opened the reservoir, pleased to find it the fluid level within was still full, as it was when I made the 25 mile drive. As a wise man once told me, “information is king.”