Drivetrain - Front Axle Swivel Seals Leaking
08/14/9860/01/97/NAS
*ISSUE 3*
SUBJECT
PRIDE - Front Swivel Seal Replacement and Grease Fill
MODEL AFFECTED VEHICLES
Range Rover Classic LH 1990-1995
Discovery (Swivel seal with grease fill) LJ 1994-1997
up to VA714998 and VA547521
Defender 90 LD 1994-1997 up to VA104957
* indicates updated information
DETAIL
*NOTE:
Land Rover Molytex EP00 swivel grease (STC3435) may be used to replace the oil lubricant in front swivels at routine maintenance. Under conditions where there is no seal leakage, the oil may be drained and the grease fill used without any disassembly.*
If either the LH or RH swivel seals are found to be leaking, perform the following inspection:
^ Drain both LH and RH swivels of oil.
^ Inspect the LH and RH swivel pin housing chrome sealing surfaces for corrosion, peeling or pitting.
^ If the chrome sealing surface is corroded, peeling or pitted, the swivel pin bearing housing must be replaced with part number FTC51O5. FTC51O5 is an improved housing that incorporates a revised hardened sealing surface to resist corrosion and pitting.
NOTE:
If no pitting or corrosion is present, it is not necessary to replace the swivel pin bearing housing. Replace the identified leaking swivel seal(s).
Upon re-assembly fill both the LH and RH swivel housings with Land Rover Molytex EP00 swivel grease (STC3435). The grease contains additives to provide extra adhesion, extreme pressure qualities, and corrosion protection for the CV-Joint and swivel bearings. Vehicles built after the above VINs have swivels filled with grease from the factory.
The diagnostic steps and repair procedures detailed on the following pages were developed as an element of the Land Rover Way Operation PRIDE. This TIB provides a library location for PRIDE information within the Land Rover North America technical literature system.
ACTION REQUIRED
Upon customer complaint of leaking front axle swivel seals, follow the procedure below.
PARTS INFORMATION
STC3435 - Grease Packet (with label)
FTC3401 - Oil Seal
FTC5105 - Swivel Pin Bearing Housing (ABS)
WARRANTY
Normal warranty procedures and policies apply.
FAULT CODE: N
SRO
Discovery and Defender 90
60.15.40 - Time 1.90 hrs. LH Swivel Seal
60.15.41 - Time 2.00 hrs. RH Swivel Seal
60.15.33 - Time 1.90 hrs. LH Swivel Housing
60.15.34 - Time 2.00 hrs. RH Swivel Housing
Range Rover Classic
60.16.40 - Time 2.35 hrs. LH Swivel Seal
*60.16.41 - Time 2.35 hrs. RH Swivel Seal*
60.16.33 - Time 2.45 hrs. LH Swivel Housing
60.16.34 - Time 2.40 hrs. RH Swivel Housing
PROCEDURE
NOTE:
Place information label (Figure 1) provided with the swivel grease tube on the radiator core support:
^ LH side next to the jacking instruction label
^ RH side next to body color label
Oil Removal, Cleaning and Seal Replacement
1. Place vehicle on lift and elevate to remove front road wheels.
2. Place a suitable drain pan underneath swivel pin housing.
WARNING:
If the vehicle axle is hot, the oil in the swivel bearing housing will be hot and under pressure. Exercise care when removing the drain plug.
3. Loosen housing drain and level plugs and allow oil to drain into pan. (Figure 2)
4. Refer to the Discovery Workshop Manual and disassemble front hub assembly.
NOTE:
Follow normal warranty procedures for any seals or gaskets which need replacing during the swivel bearing housing seal replacement process.
NOTE:
ONLY REPLACE THE CHROME SWIVEL BALL IF THE CUP SURFACE IS DAMAGED.
5. Inspect swivel ball for pitting or corrosion and replace with new style bearing housing if required.
CAUTION:
Swivel pin pre-load values must be checked and adjusted when the swivel ball is replaced. The correct swivel pin pre-load should be checked with the swivel housing stripped (swivel oil seal removed, hub and axle shaft/CV joint assembly removed). NEVER CHECK THE SWIVEL PRE-LOAD WHILE THE SWIVEL IS FULLY ASSEMBLED. Failure to follow swivel pin set-up procedures will result in front end shimmy.
6. Refer to the Discovery Workshop Manual and perform the following:
^ Replace swivel ball oil seal.
^ Reassemble swivel.
^ Perform swivel pin pre-load procedures using tool LRT-57-024 and the appropriate torque wrench.
^ Set the swivel pin pre-load to 2.0-2.8 Nm (19-25 lbf. in.).
^ Pack half of grease directly into constant velocity joint and verify the joint is completely lubricated.
^ Reinstall axle and stub axle assembly.
^ Install front hub assembly.
^ Install swivel pin housing drain plug.
7. Place the remaining grease into the swivel pin housing through the fill hole.
8. Install and tighten fill plug.
9. Install road wheel.
10. Repeat the above process for the opposite side swivel housing.