Thread: Disco 1 upper swivel hub roller bearing ABS

Hi All,
Am currently rebuilding swivel hubs on '94 Discovery with ABS. On disassembling, the tiny top needle bearings have come out pulverized beyond recognition on both sides (approx. 200k). Compared to the size of the non-ABS top swivel bearing the ABS version looks terribly flimsy sandwiched between the two thrust washers. Does any one have any general feedback on these or how long they last? I notice when shimming for reassembly have to be extremely careful when doing up bolts on top swivel pin otherwise you end up leaving indentations in the thrust washers from the needle bearings. I'm too scared to set the housing to the correct preload in case it pulverizes everything before its even back on the road, on the other hand I don't want to set it to loose and have everything vibrating. Any general feedback around this topic would be greatly appreciated!

I did a full rebuild on all seals and bearings in the front axle of my D1 a few weeks ago before a major trip to the Centre. These bearings were the only parts I reused as they were in perfect condition. Have you got proper lubrication in the swivel housings?

I would suggest
1. new bearings - quality only
2. check swivel housing seal and replace if necessary
2a. proper lubrication in the swivel housing, after repacking the bearings with grease too.
3. follow the instructions on the 'net or workshop manual to set the up - it's actually quite easy.

cheers.

Ps, While you have the hubs disassembled you probably should change the swivel housing seal - $8 part with huge labour time that you have already done most of to get to the bearing.