I have a 98' Discovery that needs a new LF wheel bearing. Has anyone ever done one of those and know if it's something fairly simple or are there any special tools needed?

 

Easy job, I would suggest you down load a free Rave CD or have a manual to look at. You can buy the wheel bearing kits from places like Atlantic British, Rover Connection and DAP.

 

You'll want a good punch to drive out the races. (never use old races with new bearings)
Timken SET37 or SKF BR37 are the bearing/race kits, you'll need two. Should cost you about $12 or so.
Use the RTC3511 hub seal. It's a double lip as used on Defenders.
You should also get a bearing nut socket.

 

Thanks for all the information guys. That Rave CD is going to be a good resource. I just found out that you can adjust the pre-load on the hubs and that might fix my problem, if not I'll replace the wheel bearing.

Thanks again

 

What is the the problem with you wanting to replace the wheel bearing , i have a 98 disco and have replaced a # if items in the front end to try and fix the front end wheel shake when i hit a bump going down the highway , i ve replaced steering dampner , tie rod ends . panyard bushings front shocks, the only thing that has redused the shaking front end , is removing shims on the preload on the end axle ***** ,Im afraid thats what i need to replace now and wondering how big of a job this will be and special tools i may not have. I was wondering if your disco was having this same problem.

 

When the tire is off the ground, there is some play in the wheel when you move it up and down. After talking to the dealer they told me about adjusting the pre-load and a lot of times that will fix the problem. I'm going to try it tonight or tomorrow so I'll let you know if it works. I have experienced some front end wheel shake when hitting bumps but it doesn't happen all the time and it's not very bad so I haven't bothered trying to fix anything yet.

 

Jack up the corner.
Grab the tire at 12 & 6 and try to rock it back and forth.
Grab it at 3 & 9 and repeat.
If the amount of play is the same, it's the hub bearings.
If there is more at 3 & 9, it's more than likely swivel preload.
You can remove one or more shims as a temporary fix for light steering preload, but for coilers you're better off replacing the swivel pin parts.
On the rear you'll have the same play either direction since there is no swivel pin.

Replacing the steering damper is never a fix for steering shake at speed. Steering dampers are to assist when hitting an obstacle at low speed with just one wheel.

 

It seems to only have play when you rock it at 12 & 6. Anyone know where I can find a bearing nut socket. I believe it's a 2 1/16" or 52 mm but I just can't find it anywhere locally.

 

Sorry, shouldn't post when I'm tired. 12 & 6 points to swivel pins being loose. Loose hub bearings would show the same motion at all points.

You can order them from any of the Rover parts houses.

 

Me.. I always go first to my friend. He is a mechanic. He will it first for me and im going to watch him. Next time I got that problem I know what to do.



_________________
If you ain't first your last!
Body Armor Side Steps