FL1 - Rear Diff Mountings

[101RRS]

I am in the process of replacing the front rear diff mount in my FL1. The diff is in place with everything still connected. I have managed to get the old mount out, the damaged rubber made it relatively easy.

However I cannot get the new mount in place - why Land Rover did not make the bracket that holds mount removable:mad:. People who designed these things should be be made to work on them.

I replaced the front mount 90,000km ago and remember is was a bit of a pain to get in then but I was also replacing the diff and had a few things off it.

So, those who have done this recently - what is the trick - I know it can be done without pulling bits off - just how escapes me.

Woko - where are you??

Garry

[woko]

I have always undone the LH rear mounts as well. It makes it heaps easier and its only 2 bolts.

[101RRS]

I have always undone the LH rear mounts as well. It makes it heaps easier and its only 2 bolts.

Oh - Ok - was considering loosening the four diff cradle bolts and letting the lot drop about an inch but wasn't sure if I would have enough room.

So unbolting the rear (by LH I assume you mean the drivers side ) mount from the diff will allow it to drop enough to get the front one in?

That front diff mount arrangement looks like it was designed by a 5 yo.

Thanks - was hoping you would come along.

Garry

[woko]

It doesn't matter which one you loose LH or RH it will give you enough room with a bit of cursing to get it to fit. You can unbolt both of them at the rear and it will go straight in. I have never tried unbolting the sub frame. Give it a go and let us know if it works.

[101RRS]

Finally got back to it today. I removed the bolts that hold the diff to the drivers side mount but I could still not get enough room and came close to denting or putting a hole in the tank trying to get it in. The heads of the bolts on the passenger side diff mount were a bit suss so I left them alone.

I then decided to do my least attractive option - that is heat the front mount and bent it out a bit (mild steel and none structural) - did this and it went straight in - took a whole 15mins to heat, cool, insert mount, lightly heat mount and tighten and cool before the heat got to the rubber - too easy.

Thanks for all the pointers.

Cheers

Garry

[rich67]

Will be doing my rear diff mounts at the weekend, I will be replacing all 3. Does the diff need to be aligned or will it align itself when tightening the bolts up?

[woko]

There is a service tool for aligning, I have changed heaps of these and never used it.

[camel_landy]

Garry, if it makes you feel any better, it's even harder on a Camel Freelander with the underbody protection getting in the way too!!!

M

[101RRS]

Garry, if it makes you feel any better, it's even harder on a Camel Freelander with the underbody protection getting in the way too!!!

M

What makes me feel even better is that I have sold the FL1 so is someone elses problem now :)

[camel_landy]

What makes me feel even better is that I have sold the FL1 so is someone elses problem now :)
Wow... I thought you'd be buried in that thing! :D

M

[101RRS]

When I got my Freelander I thought what a bitch of a thing to work on - but that pails into insignificance compared to my RRS. A new learning process begins.

Garry

[woko]

When I got my Freelander I thought what a bitch of a thing to work on - but that pails into insignificance compared to my RRS. A new learning process begins.

Garry
Don't buy a Alfa Romeo then.