Symptoms
Fluid weeping from the bottom of the steering box, low power-steering fluid, vague steering.
The fix, step by step
- The W461 uses the same LS2 steering box family as the W460 and W463.
- Replace the sector-shaft seal at the bottom of the box: disconnect the drag link and pull the pitman arm.
- Heavy play calls for the bearing set and a box rebuild.
Tools & part numbers
- Sector-shaft seal 016 997 13 47
- steering box bearing set
- pitman-arm puller
Where to buy the parts
Steering sector shaft seal 016 997 13 47Expedition Imports ↗Amazon ↗
Steering box bearing setExpedition Imports ↗Amazon ↗
Hunting a used or discontinued part? Search eBay Motors for Mercedes-Benz G-Class W461 parts →
Rated for a competent home mechanic with a decent tool kit. Confirm torque figures, fluids and procedures against the factory service manual for your VIN, support the truck on stands rather than a jack, and work at your own risk (disclaimer). Some parts links are affiliate links, which pay us a small commission at no cost to you.