Drive shafts

How easy is it to change the front drive shafts on the freelander. I've got to do this as nearside has lots of play in it.


Brian

Hi - I did this on my R plate 1.8 and its pretty easy – takes about an hour. The one thing you need is a long extension bar to get the hub nut off. I tried using just an 18 inch extension with no luck – I even had a 17stone friend bouncing up and down on the end of it!!
Once I got hold of a five foot bit of scaffolding pole it came of very easily. You will needs some assistance to take the nut off and on. One person to stand on the break and one to keep the socket square on the nut while another pulls on the extension. I used a ½ inch set,
To get the shaft out of the IRD I found a crow bar did the job as it fits nicely into the gap and only needs slight bit of force to dislodge the shaft. Make sure you have a new oil seal to hand as its worthwhile doing it at the save time.
One thing – I think the shaft on mine was the original one and it had a 32mm nut on it. The replacement came with a 36mm one (think they are the sizes I had) – so check you have the right sockets needed.
Good luck

Thanks

I will be changing mine next weekend.

Brian