Steering Fluid Leak

[Denna]

Regarding a 1976 MF 245 Diesel.

Recently, the steering wheel column has been leaking fluid below the gauge panel.

Does that mean the steering column seal needs to be replaced ?

Is that easily accessible ?

While driving, there is also about 4-5 inches of slack of when trying to keep the wheels straight.

Is that normal ?

 

[Gibby]

Not normal - My 240 has about 2 inches when engine off and with engine on (Power Steering on) it has about a
half inch before the steering cylinders move. As for the leak - look under console and you should see a
small control cylinder bolted to the side of the steering column that is the hydraulic power steering
control. Mine was leaking from the top. I was luck - I put some Lucus Power Steering leak stop in that
stopped the major leak - still seeps alittle. I am afraid I will end up having to replace it - my 240 part
number 3186463M94 - which is 500.00