Been talking with some of you about the front wheel hubs Im replacing this weekend and I also decided to replaced both front axle seals and re-grease the front CV-joints. The process of removing the wheel hubs is covered, I think i can do it just fine and I have all the materials and tools I need. But regarding the axle seal Im still not feeling very confident. Once you remove the wheel hub and the steering knuckle, does the driveshaft (or axle shaft whatever you call it) just slide right out? And is their any time of bearing thats in the way of the axle oil seal? Ive been looking on youtube for helpful videos an I came across a Scotty Kilmer video where he changes the axle oil seal on a Jeep and he comments that there is a bearing that you have to remove first, once you remove it you have to replace that. All that just to reach the axle seal. He said it adds hours of labor etc. Check out the video:

Is the Land Rover Disco 2 setup the same with a pain in the *** bearing in the way or what?

 

I have never broken an axle down that far, but have removed one. Once you get the wheel, caliper, and hub off- the axle just pulls straight out.

Good luck

 

There are no bearings to deal with. The bearings are in the hub. Just pull the hub and out comes the axle. Stop looking at youtube videos of other vehicles, they are just stressing you out. Just look under the front axle section in RAVE.

 

X1, my granny can do it as it's so simple (oh sh!te, she's well dead 60 years ago).

There is no comparison with a Jeep at all. As 04duxlr says and I stated a day or so ago, read the RAVE manual it's so easy. Just make sure you bought the right parts to put back.

 

TRIARII
why don't you make a DII video and post on utube,
for the next guy who does a search.
There is a whole generation for better or worse that is extremely visual.
just an idea
.

 

alright i got the wheel hub off and slid out the axle shaft on the front passenger side. The area behind the hub where the cv boot sits was very dirty. Caked with dirt and dried up grease i presume. So far the cv boot looks in tact. but i cannot remove the axle shaft seal. I ended up ripped some of it out but still cant get the outer portion of the seal is still stuck. how do i get it out. Please help. Do i hammer it in or is there a way to pull it out?

 

Seal puller?

 

three ways.
1. fold the seal in on itself with a hammer and chisel, once it deform you can usual pull it out with channel locks.
2. slip the axle back in the tube just beyond the opening of the seal and use that the lever the seal out, it does not take a lot to get the seal to move.
3. easiest but hardest to explain, take a pair of channel locks preferably large, hook the top jaw behind the seal and push on the handle to lever the seal out

 

I torn apart the inner portion of the seal so the only thing left is the outer radial of the seal, nevertheless its still in there real good. I tried using extended needle nose pliers, ive tried hammering the seal inwards and nothing works. Ill have to call it quits for the night seeing how its dark out and its been raining all day. Below are some pictures I took, be it crappy quality.

 

X1 or a seal puller as lordmorpheus says. Alternatively, screw into the seal face two dry wall screws about 2-3" long on oppsite sides and lever out with grips or pliers. When refitting the seal ensure you press it right home into the rebate and when inserting the driveshaft ensure you don't damage it with the dust ring. I found it best to locate the hub assy onto the shaft first before pushing it in totally as it aligns the shaft and dust ring better and causes less chance of damage. Lightly grease the seal internally and the dust ring before assembly to avoid damage. Most people damage their seals on reassembly and then complain the seals leak.