Bulkhead Workshop › Land Rover models › Land Rover Series III 3.5 V8 › Workshop guide › Check swivel housing oil & seals

Land Rover Series III 3.5 V8: check swivel housing oil & seals

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

How often: every 6,000 mi or 6 months, whichever comes first. Leaking swivel seals let grit in and pit the chrome ball, which then destroys new seals.

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

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

Tools

Spanners
Oil pump or squeezy bottle

Step by step

Remove the level plug on the rear of each swivel housing. Oil should be level with the hole.
Top up through the filler plug if low.
Look at the chrome ball. Deep pitting or rust where the seal runs means re-chroming or a new ball.
Oil on the inside of the wheel or brake back-plate means a leaking hub seal; deal with it before it reaches the brake shoes.

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
Change swivel housing oil every 12,000 mi or year
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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