Bulkhead Workshop › Land Rover models › Land Rover Series III 3.5 V8 › Workshop guide › Change swivel housing oil

Land Rover Series III 3.5 V8: change swivel housing oil

Axles · Series III (1971–85) · 1979–1985

How often: every 12,000 mi or year, whichever comes first. Water gets in through worn seals and emulsifies the oil.

Swivel housings	90W or 85W-90 GL-4, ≈0.57 L (1.2 US pt) each side

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

Gear oil (90W or 85W-90 GL-4, ≈0.57 L (1.2 US pt) each side)
4 × Drain & level plug washers (if needed)

Tools

Spanners
Drain tray
Oil pump

Step by step

Remove the drain plug on each swivel housing and let it drain.
Refit the drain plug and fill to the level plug.
Milky oil means water ingress: check the swivel seal and the axle breathers.

More Land Rover Series III 3.5 V8 servicing

Engine oil & filter change every 6,000 mi or 6 months
Air filter element every 12,000 mi or year
Plugs, leads & ignition timing every 12,000 mi or year
Twin carburettor balance & damper oil every 12,000 mi or year
Fan / auxiliary belt check every 12,000 mi or year
Coolant drain, flush & refill every 2 yrs
Grease propshafts & nipples every 3,000 mi or 6 months
Check swivel housing oil & seals every 6,000 mi or 6 months
Check gearbox, transfer & axle oil levels every 6,000 mi or 6 months
Change gearbox & transfer box oil every 12,000 mi or year
Change front & rear axle oil every 12,000 mi or year
Steering box, relay & joints check every 6,000 mi or year
Adjust drum brakes & handbrake every 6,000 mi or 6 months
Inspect brake shoes, cylinders & hoses every 12,000 mi or year
Brake & clutch fluid change every 2 yrs
Leaf springs, U-bolts & shackles every 12,000 mi or year
Wheel bearing play check every 12,000 mi or year
Chassis & bulkhead inspection, rust-proofing every year
Annual safety inspection every year
Monthly walk-round checks every month

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