[DG] [DG11] Type 3 Hydraulic Drive

[lkgreen]

The only original electronic component left aboard after 20 years, is the Type 3 Hydraulic drive for the autopilot. After approximately 52,000 NM which I beleive equates to something over 325,000 hours of operation the seal on the ram appears to be leaking to the point where the pilot can not deliver enough pressure to hold a course. No complaints on my part.
However we are now sailing in Australia, and I am told that it will take a minimum of three weeks to get a replacement drive unit. That seems a bit excessive as most everything travelling between either the US or England does so by air. So my question's are; is the three weeks a real time frame? (We are sailing south along the east coast of AU in order to avoid their cyclone season) Alternatively, could a good hydraulics shop repair the drive. I am assuming it is the seal around the shaft but not sure.
Thanks
Larry Green