Leaking swivel hubs?

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sergeantcookie

Active Member
Posts
405
Location
Nantwich, Cheshire
Just been underneath the disco poking yet more holes, this time in the sills :(. Whilst these I saw something dripping onto the front wheel :eek:. Is this a leaking swivel hub? I remember changing the seals a few years back on a 90 amd it wasnt the best of jobs :(

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Thanks
 
Leaking swivels is a hot topic on land rovers, and general swivel related topics is something I am more or less and expert on these days.

Judging by the road dirt, I'm guessing you don't off road.

That is a major consideration which drastically alters my advice for some people.

Anyway, general rules of thumb, if the balls are pitted, they will leak.

Moreover, if the balls are pitted they will damage new seals aswell so you will have leaks and more leaks.

The easy option is to replace the balls with new Teflon units, they are not as strong or hard wearing as original chrome balls which tend to last 10 years or more but you will get a couple of years out of them

You could try swivel ball gaitors, they prevent stone chipping but I assume would trap water, these are only suitable for road cars IMO.

Anyway, a full swivel refurb inc new balls and seals will see you right, do both sides for completeness.

There are further options, firstly consider running ep90 in the swivels not grease, it is better for your cv joints and leaks more easily so let's you know sooner when your swivels are LETTING WATER IN (guess what, grease doesn't tell you that)

Then there is the stage 2 upgrade (back to old fashioned land rover setup) of converting to oil in hubs also, again, better for bearings and no dry fretted drive flanges or ruined CV joints anymore.

Plenty of advice available here so chin scratch to your heart's content.
 
it can also be a sign of worn swivel pin bearings. this happened to mine. the ball was fine just needed new bearings. full rebuild of the swivel just didnt need a new ball.
 
Leaking swivels is a hot topic on land rovers, and general swivel related topics is something I am more or less and expert on these days.

Judging by the road dirt, I'm guessing you don't off road.

That is a major consideration which drastically alters my advice for some people.

There are further options, firstly consider running ep90 in the swivels not grease, it is better for your cv joints and leaks more easily so let's you know sooner when your swivels are LETTING WATER IN (guess what, grease doesn't tell you that)

I was just thinking about this, I know its bad when the grease leaks, but if the hub seal springs a leak running just oil would you not run the risk of running them dry as the oil would run out much easier than grease?

I'm no expert, just looking for info really :)
 
you need to find out why that seal failed. no point in just replacing seal. if its the swivel ball thats pitted seal will fail again soon and if its the swivel pin bearing replacing the seal wont stop the leak and your bearing will fall apart soon.
 
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