Bulkhead Workshop › Land Rover models › Land Rover Series III 3.5 V8 › Workshop guide › Wheel bearing play check

Land Rover Series III 3.5 V8: wheel bearing play check

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

How often: every 12,000 mi or year, whichever comes first. Loose hub bearings wreck hub seals and can let a wheel come off in extreme cases.

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)
Lock washers / tab washers (if adjusted)

Tools

Jack & axle stands
Hub nut box spanner

Step by step

Jack each wheel clear. Grip the tyre top and bottom and rock it.
Any noticeable play: remove the hub cap and drive member, then adjust the inner hub nut as your manual describes and lock it with a new tab washer.
Spin the wheel and listen for rumbling bearings.

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
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
Chassis & bulkhead inspection, rust-proofing every year
Annual safety inspection every year
Monthly walk-round checks every month

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