Bulkhead Workshop › Land Rover models › Land Rover Defender 300Tdi › Workshop guide › Check swivel housings & seals

Land Rover Defender 300Tdi: check swivel housings & seals

Axles · Defender (1990–2016) · 1994–1998

How often: every 12,000 mi or year, whichever comes first. Pitted swivel balls destroy seals and let grit into the bearings.

Swivel housings	One-shot grease (Molytex EP00 or equivalent), ≈0.35 L each side; early 300Tdi may still use EP90

Work safely: support the vehicle on axle stands, never a jack alone; let it cool first. Check figures against your workshop manual. You do this work at your own risk.

Parts

Swivel lubricant (One-shot grease (Molytex EP00 or equivalent), ≈0.35 L each side; early 300Tdi may still use EP90)

Tools

Spanners

Step by step

Check each swivel ball for pitting, rust and leaks.
EP90 swivels: check the level plug and top up. One-shot grease swivels: no routine top-up, but check for leaks and grease weeping from the seal.
Check the CV joint for clicking on full lock.

More Land Rover Defender 300Tdi servicing

Engine oil & filter change every 6,000 mi or 6 months
Air filter element every 12,000 mi or year
Fuel filter change & bleed every 12,000 mi or year
Drain fuel sedimenter / water trap every 6,000 mi or 6 months
Timing belt, tensioner & idler every 60,000 mi or 5 yrs
Check & adjust valve clearances every 12,000 mi or year
Fan / auxiliary belt check every 12,000 mi or year
Coolant drain, flush & refill every 3 yrs
Grease propshafts every 6,000 mi or 6 months
Check gearbox, transfer & axle oil levels every 12,000 mi or year
Change gearbox & transfer box oil every 24,000 mi or 2 yrs
Change front & rear axle oil every 24,000 mi or 2 yrs
Steering & power steering check every 12,000 mi or year
Inspect pads, discs & brake hoses every 12,000 mi or year
Adjust transmission handbrake every 12,000 mi or year
Brake & clutch fluid change every 2 yrs
Suspension bushes, arms & dampers every 12,000 mi or year
Wheel bearings & hub seals every 24,000 mi or 2 yrs
Chassis & bulkhead inspection, rust-proofing every year
Annual safety inspection every year
Monthly walk-round checks every month

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