I thought this would be an easy thing to find info on, but I am coming up empty. One cause of front axle seals to leak at the diff is bad bearings. But I also suspect my driver front CV is bad as I have a clicking in fast sharp turns (roundabouts). It's possible the inner is warn also causing a vibration as speed I have never been able to narrow down. During inspection, there was vertical slop at the driver side of the diff and a little leakage. So I think its best to swap the bearing also as I think teh worn axle may have damaged it. National B228 is the needle bearing needed. I have done the seals, very easy. But never the bearings. Are the installed from inside the diff or can they be pulled out with diff in place? For that matter, do both sides even have a needle bearing? I know the passenger side does because of the long extension and I have seen it. But the driver side? Anyone done them?

As for the axle, going used. Found an LR4 wreck with only 16k miles. Too many stories of aftermarket shafts failing on the trail and I do enough trail fun in remote places that I dont want something to break. And FYI the axle seals are also used on BMW, 31537500180, 31537502680, 33107505601, 31538844383, 31508860349, 01025620B are all cross reference numbers that work and can be cheaper than those sold with Rover associated with the part. Corteco is usually the brand I go with.

 

The axle shaft bearing on the diff driver side is not a needle bearing. I’ve rebuilt diffs before and don’t think that one can be changed from the outside.

building a diff is an art form, most of us have more time than money, but how much hair we have left is the question.

I vote for good used or professionally rebuilt diff. Good luck.

 

Thanks, I wasn't thinking there was only one needle bearing but was not sure. As for rebuild, not worth it when I can get low mile front diffs for less than $100. At this point there are just too many junk parts available on the market for cheap. Heck, paid only $45 for a used transfer case. For now, the market is in our favor for used parts if you poke around a bit. Of course in time the supply will run out.....

 

Yep, used parts are abundant. But it’s nice to be one and done.