Rebuild or replace steering gearbox?

[The Fireman]

My steering gearbox on our 04 has been leaking for, well the year that we've owned the jeep. I've kept the fluid topped up on and its never ran dry as long as we've had it but with a trip from New York to Texas, New Mexico and back on the radar for this summer its time to fix it. Last place I want to be is broke down in the middle of the south Texas desert in June for something I knew was leaking. So the question is I can get a rebuild kit for 50 bucks or so and a replacement looks to be around 300 plus depending on where I order it from. Has anyone had any success rebuilding the Mercedes gearbox or should I give NAPA a call for a replacement. If I would be better off replacing it are there any manufactures I should choose over another? Thanks

 

[astjp2]

Well you can spend the 50, then you will go buy another box to replaced it when it doesn't go back together right...or just buy the box in the first place. If you want NEW, look at Borgenson or PSC. Autozone does an exchange by a company that rebuilds them in Arizona...or try your luck at a salvage yard or other parts stores. Tim

 

[Jerry Bransford]

Make sure to avoid a Cardone rebuilt steering box.

 

[astjp2]

https://benchworksteering.com/services/rebuild-return/

 

[The Fireman]

Thanks for the advice I kinda figured rebuilding would be a crap shoot but figured I'd ask first. Replacement it is will avoid the Cardone gear box. How is the quality on the psc big bore gearbox and do I need to replace the pump if I go with that box? This might be an opportunity for an upgrade...

 

[astjp2]

Call them. If you dont have oversize tires, then just go with a standard box, its not necessary for regular sized tires...