7-tooth column leaking post-rebuild

[alexiskai]

I had my 7-tooth steering column rebuilt by a local machine shop. I'm pleased with the result, but after several months it's developed a bad leak. I can't quite tell whether it's leaking out the cover housing or the lower bearing or both.

Question for the forum is, is it feasible for me to try to repair this without pulling the column? My plan is to remove the cover housing and install a new gasket with sealant, then wait and see if the leak resolves; if not, do the same with the lower bearing. I would re-use the lower bearing shims.

Thoughts? Good/bad plan?