Thread: Well, it didn't last long.

If you've read recently my enthusiasm for a finally oil-leak-free Defender, then you may as well know that the Exxon Valdez has sprung another one! [img]style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/sad.gif[/img] This time it's the left front hub seal that's dribbling down the inside of the disc. Looks like the stub axle seal has forgotten it's purpose in life and has proceeded to fill the hub with One Shot grease, which is now forcing it's way out past the hub seal. All the seals on the front axle were replaced last October when I rebuilt both swivels. Would bugga be too strong a word?

I guess I'm probably up for new brake pads too since they've most likely been contaminated by the oil/grease. Double bugga. :roll:

All this I found whilst crawling around under the front looking for the cause of a rather violent shake in the steering. Hit a bump above 60kmh and it's almost uncontrollable. Actually have to almost stop before the shaking subsides, quite cheek clenching really. 8O I found the cause, one of the panhard rod bushes has completely delaminated. I replaced all of the suspension bushes with new genuine rubber jobbies in December. Tripple bugga? :roll: And yes, I put plenty of antisieze on the inside of the bushing when it was installed and I did the torquing up when the weight was back on the suspension, so it shouldn't have torn itself the shreds. Interesting really, because the bushing in the other end of the panhard rod still looks like new. :?

Oh well, what else would I do with my spare time.


Paul [img]style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/biggrin.gif[/img] (Still smiling like an idiot)

Well it's 10.50pm and it's all back together. My parts man replaced the panhard rod bush for free, and he even pressed the old one out and the new one in free for me too. Can't ask better than that.

The stub axle oil seal has been replaced along with the hub seal , new gaskets, re-greased the bearings and replaced the swivel grease. I think I got to it before the pads were badly covered in muck. As per shaunp's suggestion, I emptied a can of brake clean just to make sure.

Overall, I probably got off lightly and now, theoretically at least, the ol' Exxon Valdez is oil tight again. Anyone taking bets on how long it'll last?


Paul [img]style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/biggrin.gif[/img] (I wish I had some beer in the fridge right now)