Bulkhead Workshop › Land Rover models › Land Rover Defender 300Tdi › Workshop guide › Wheel bearings & hub seals

Land Rover Defender 300Tdi: wheel bearings & hub seals

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

How often: every 24,000 mi or 2 yrs, whichever comes first. Bearing play damages hub seals, and grease from a failed seal ends up on the brakes.

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

Hub oil seals (if leaking)
2 × Lock tab washers (if adjusted)
Wheel bearing grease

Tools

Jack & axle stands
Hub nut socket
Dial gauge (optional)

Step by step

Jack each wheel up and check for play by rocking the tyre top and bottom.
If there is play, remove the drive member and adjust the hub bearing nut to the end-float in your manual, then fit a new lock tab washer.
Check the drive member splines and the axle shaft splines for wear.

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 swivel housings & seals every 12,000 mi or year
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
Chassis & bulkhead inspection, rust-proofing every year
Annual safety inspection every year
Monthly walk-round checks every month

Track your own Land Rover

Add your vehicle to Bulkhead Workshop to see what is due now, tick off jobs as you go, keep a service history and order the parts in one basket. It is free and saved in your own browser.

Open Bulkhead Workshop