Converting Defender Rear Wheel Bearings to Oil Lubricated

[Max Headroom 2.3m]

On my son’s 2003 Defender 90 Td5, we want to convert the rear wheel bearings to oil lubricated to match the front wheel bearings which have been converted to oil lubricated. From my understanding, all that is required is to change the rear hub to stub axle seal from FTC4785 single lip to RTC3511 double lip seal and remove the stub axle to axle shaft seal FTC5268 (Fig 1). This is to allow the diff oil to then feed into the stub axle and lubricate the rear wheel bearings.
177273 177274

My question is will enough diff oil migrate to the wheel bearings given that if the diff is filled to the lower edge of the diff plug (Fig 2), then the oil level appears to only reach the lower edge of the stub axle flange (Fig 1). I get that when cornering, more oil will be slopped to one side and I assume will dribble into the bearings on that side. However, how would this work on long straight journeys such as crossing the Nullarbor? Has anyone had experience with this?

[Vern]

I just add extra oil

[W&KO]

You’re on the money about the seals….

In my experience it takes a bit to get oil over, especially if you grease the bearing as well, which I did to ensure I had lubrication as I was heading off on a big trip.

I over filled the diff than parked the defer on a side slope to encourage the oil to migrate over than top up again than repeated the other side

I vaguely remember a mod to drill a holes in the drive flange, probably OK for OEM drive flange, might be a bit harder on aftermarket heavy duty flanges.

[W&KO]

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/archive/index.php/t-232687.html

Found one reference…..

[Max Headroom 2.3m]

I just add extra oil


I over filled the diff than parked the defer on a side slope to encourage the oil to migrate over than top up again than repeated the other side
I have read that an extra 500-600ml of oil should be added to the diff. The only way I can see this being achieved is to jack up the rear driver's side wheel (short axle side) as much as possible and then filling the diff with the standard 1.7L + 600ml (total 2.3L) and replace the plug. As you have described, it would then be wise to then jack up just the rear passenger side wheel (once diff plug replaced) to migrate oil to the other side. Sound like a plan??


In my experience it takes a bit to get oil over, especially if you grease the bearing as well, which I did to ensure I had lubrication
I assume a light greasing of the bearings, as opposed to a full packing of grease, to allow the oil to migrate through. I imagine that a heavy pack would block the oil from getting through, particularly to the inner bearing.


I vaguely remember a mod to drill a holes in the drive flange, probably OK for OEM drive flange, might be a bit harder on aftermarket heavy duty flanges.
At the moment, we have integral drive flanges with the half shafts so drilling is possible but I don't think we will have time right now. The long term plan is to fit Ashcroft H/D shafts and H/D drive flanges so drilling will be difficult. I guess the cap on the H/D flanges wouldn't be that hard so maybe can drill and tap that?

[W&KO]

I used to pack wheel bearing as normal but have no excess grease either hanging off the beading or in the hub.

[d130 beaut]

Converted mine 10 yrs ago maxi drive flanges / shafts ,always checked bearing temp on long drives never had a problem just filled to normal service level.