I picked up a '97 Disco with 200k miles on it. It is going to be an offroad toy for me not a daily driver. I have a jeep background so, I'm trying to get up to speed on the LR stuff. I'm thinking about buying 2'' lift springs from Dap-inc, pro comp +2 shocks then... maybe a 2'' body lift? It seems like with 4'' total lift I could run a decent tire size and be breaking axles right away.

Anyways.. to the point of this post. I jacked up the front left side of the Disco to remove the wheel and replace the brake rotor/pads. Oil started running out of the swivel joint. I checked the play in the wheel and there is a pretty good amount. I'm hoping I can just remove some shims from the joint and tighten up the bearings. My question is, should gear oil be at the CV's in a '97, or do I have a failed seal?
Thanks, I apologize if any part of this post makes me look completely ignorant. Trying to learn

 

This is the Grease to use> Swivel Housing Grease - 375ML Tube (Genuine Part # STC3435 ) - Land Rover swivel ***** & parts from Atlantic British


Are you sure the play in/@ the wheel is not the wheel bearings being either old or out of adjustment? When was the last time the wheel bearings were replaced? You can get Timken Set37 @ autozone for like $5.00 each. And you did get new hub seals right? Hub Oil Seal - Inner (FRC8221 Same Fit As Part # FTC4785 ) - Land Rover gaskets and seals from Atlantic British


"do I have a failed seal?" If the oil/grease is leaking then Yes. The swivel ball seal (FTC3401) is what is leaking > http://www.ebay.com/itm/LAND-ROVER-S...-/161276222930. Have a look at the swivel ball, if they are pitted or rusted replace them as well.


Here is a vid of what it all looks like, and there are 3 parts. You will see the seal removal in part 3 >

 

It only leaks with weight off the wheel. Because the slop in the swivel bearing is allowing the ball to pull away from the seal when the load is off the axle. I understand that at some point Land Rover switch from axle lub/oil to axle grease I need to find out what year that happened.

 

Your '97 left the LR factory w oil, but you can drain and retro to the grease. I've done it for years, and I'm sure you will be hearing the same opinion from others as well.


Enjoy & thanks L8 >

 

Thanks for the reply. Surely there is a seal I need to add to the axle tube to keep the gear oil from mixing with the grease right?

 

Or is the pinion oil, and the CV oil already compartmentalized?

 

Look at the pic in the link again Land Rover Seal Gasket Front Axle Defender Disco Range FTC3401 FTC3646 FTC3276 | eBay the inner seal is FTC3276 Oil Seal - Swivel Ball Housing - Inner (FTC3276 Same Fit As Part # FTC3276 ) - Land Rover gaskets and seals from Atlantic British


And if you don't want diff oil mixing with the wheel bearings change the stub axle seal FTC5268 Land Rover Stub Axle Inner Oil Seal Set X2 Discovery Defender RR CL FTC5268 Allm | eBay


You need a copy of RAVE land rover service factory manual RAVE download land rover resource, service manual, workshop factory manual, download, rave, vehicles including discovery, series, defender, range rover, freelander, LR3, Handbooks, Catalog, Catalogue, Land Rover Inte


And done.

 

OverRover, you have been very helpful. I appreciate your time.
One more question, if I convert to grease.. then I can skip this part right?
"And if you don't want diff oil mixing with the wheel bearings change the stub axle seal FTC5268 Land Rover Stub Axle Inner Oil Seal Set X2 Discovery Defender RR CL FTC5268 Allm | eBay"

 

If I was going to the trouble to replace the swivel ball seal FTC3401, I would replace the stub axle seal. Especially with 200K miles on this rig.

If you don't do it it's not the end of the world because you can pull the stub axle out without touching the swivel pin/ball assembly.

BUT.... when you remove the Hub drive flange (RUC105200) looks like > Drive Flange : Drive Flange
and you ALREADY see oil mixed with the wheel bearing grease(you'll know it when you see/smell it), then 100% replace the stub axle seal FTC5268. It's not a hard thing to do.

 

Grease is oo same as cv axle and lawnmowers, cheap at lawnmower parts place

Blow out the vent tubes