Thread: Help needed - replacing Defender wheel bearings

Originally Posted by simmo

I agree with JD & leave the hubs alone most of the time.

I jack the wheels up and check if the bearings need adjusting, (one does occasionally). Other than that I never open them unless seal starts to leak. You notice that right away. and only check the oil if I've done a few deep water crossings.

My other check is to coast to a stop on along run and check the hub temps either by hand or with the IR gun. Normally less than 20 degrees above ambient. if you can hold your fingers on the hub its temperature is OK.

the bonus of oil filled hubs is your drive flange & axle splines are always wet with oil, always shiny and clean, and never seem to wear. I don't think there's any need to drill a hole in the stub axle between the bearings.

cheers simmo

Like you, on a trip of more than a hundred kilometres or so, I stop after 20k or so and walk round and feel the hubs. Checks for bearing problems and also dragging brakes. And include the ttrailer if any in this check!

I have had one rear drive flange wear badly, despite being nice and oily - but it took nearly 600k. The other one was not significantly worn, nor was the half axle. Leyland's legendary QC?

Hi Jd,

only 600 K out of the drive flange? damm, I'd be asking for my money back. must be one of those low quality ones the modern defender guys are always complaining about.