Thread: swivel hub seals

Hi guys,

I have some holidays coming up and intend to replace my swivel hub seals. However...

the haynes manual goes through removal of caliper etc... to remove the entire kit and kaboodle but I have read about a "shortcut" which entails removing the seal from the back and just replacing with a new one.

My questions are as follows.
1. Is this a sensible option or does it mean the new seal will be compromised?
2. if i do it the "haynes" way should i look at replacing bearings at the same time?


Cheers,

Phil


ps.
I'm happy to get dirty but sometimes lack the confidence to foillow words and pics. I've seen some of the video clips on youtube and the links to:

Land Rover, Range Rover DVD repair & maintenance guide

Anyone know if this is any use and also if so, is there another way to get it instead of on DVD from the UK? Obviously I intend to pay but a download would be easier and quicker.


Thanks

Well, to be honest, the caliper has to come off if you want to replace the seal properly. There is a shortcut, but this involves cutting the seal and rejoining it, but that's not acceptable IMHO. Otherwise you will have to pull the half shaft, which can be done by loosening the seven bolts that secure the swivel housing to the axle. That way, you don't have to pull the hub off, but I would certainly do it whilst being at it anyway, unless you did the hub and bearings recently already. The work is not rocket science, just takes a little while and is rather messy, but then you know it's done and won't have to worry about it for a while.
As for replacement of the bearings, well, depends on when they were done last time. Timken has increased the prices but if you can afford it, I'd swap them anyway. Did mine recently, was well worth it.
Cheers