Steering box top cover removal

[pete635]

Hi experts. My euro 1986 E24 steering box is leaking badly from the top plate seal. The engine is still in the car I have removed the 4 corner bolts marked the large lock nut counted the number of turns on removal. The adjustment screw will only unwind about 1/2 an inch and locks solid. The top plate moved upwards about the same distance. Any ideas?

[master6]

You have to hold the threaded lash adjustment still with a flat bladed screw driver, then spin the cover off counter clock wise.