I need to replace the right (passenger) rear cv axle on my LR3. A few questions if anyone is familiar with the process:


1. The service manual mentions a special tool to press the shaft out of the hub - is that needed or can I do this without it?


2. The service manual also mentions replacing the axle seal, is that just good practice or does it absolutely have to be done if the shaft is removed?


3. And finally, anyone know a good place to source one? Like most of you I would like to save a little cash but not buy complete junk either. I don't mind spending money where it's worth it.


Any other tips you can think of on this job would be greatly appreciated!


Thanks!

 

I'm about to do this job to both sides on the rear of my truck as I exploded the driver's rear inner CV a couple weeks ago. Was actually going to be doing it this weekend but my parts haven't yet arrived.

For parts I have a friend at the SanFran dealer who got them for me at his cost but it's not a super deal. I was going to get them from Merriam as they showed a price of about $300/side but when I placed the order I got an email back saying sorry, the correct price was actually double that. Thanks but no thanks - order cancelled.

I haven't tried them yet but my normal source would be Lucky8 and ask for OEM parts. They are revamping their website so if the new site is up you may be able to check price/availability but usually I just have to call them and speak to somebody in person. I know they can get the parts but I don't know their price. If I hadn't already ordered through my friend I'd have made the call this week. I have bought front shafts from them before for decent prices; I usually ask for the OEM part instead of aftermarket (I've broken too many cheap aftermarket parts) or genuine LR (too expensive). I believe the OEM on the shafts is GKN. At least it is for the fronts and the main driveshaft.

I haven't yet done the rear shafts on my truck but I don't expect too much trouble. I've done fronts a few times and it's not bad. If you live in the rust belt (which I consider to be anywhere but the west or southwest) you may have some trouble getting the shaft free from the hub. I used an air hammer to knock mine out. This is where the 'special tool' from LR comes in - basically a press that bolts to the hub then presses it free. If you're not reusing the shaft who cares if you hammer it free anyway. When putting it back together be sure to use some anti-sieze on the splines so you can get it apart next time.

Otherwise I just used a crowfoot prybar to pop the shaft out of the diff. Easy enough.

I've not replaced the dif seals and haven't had a leak after doing my front driver's side at least 4 times in/out. While it would be good practice to replace them I don't feel it's 100% necessary.

 

Thanks for the info. I'm going to try and have one overnighted from somewhere tomorrow, as my Rover is my DD. I worked all weekend so I have a few days off this week if I decide to tackle the job. Out of morbid curiosity I am going to call the dealer to get a quote on the replacement just to see how much of a hit it is.

 

Any idea how you pry out inner shaft or other way to disconnect it from differential? I am replacing my LR3 front passenger side axle and control arms.

thanks a million!

TC