Steering gearbox leaks and cracking noises while steering

If I have the self-help workshop with the screws of my newly built trailer clutch from below, I had to find out that my steering gear is leaking on the front passenger side. Since I am a short time also have cracking noises I could imagine that it could be the steering gear. I am rather starting from the wheel bearings. However, the self-help workshop meant immediately that the steering gear is gone. The replacement should take a very long time and therefore I have tried to find something in the internet and repair books to do something like the steering gear will be expanded. Until now however, only with moderate success. Some write this without problem without solving / expanding the axle, others write that the axle has to be solved at least. Did any of you have 100% a steering gear removed and can not give me any information about what has to be done or not to be done on the right. Have also read the steering gear does not cause the noise (Domlager, Brake etc.) I don’t like to make any suggestions like otherwise. If I don’t like to talk about it again.