Replacing the seals around the rear hub

Morning all, I'm after some advice.
I was getting some lovely patterns on my rear tyres caused by diff oil leaking from the hub and spraying around the tyre as I drove.
As much as I love the pretty pattern it's probably time I got it sorted!
It was on both wheels originally so first thing I did was to order some hub caps and changed all the oil in the diffs. This stopped the problem for a while on both wheels, however it has come back on the drivers side.

So my assumption is that it's probably the hub?
If this is the case can I replace just the seals or am I better off and just as easy to replace the bearings as well?
Just been reading Busters guide for the bearings and as normal he makes it look a fairly easy job. Is this the case or am I much easier just replacing the seals, if this is possible?

Any help would be appreciated.

Tony

If you are stripping down rear hubs to replace seals, it is easy to fit new bearings as well, then you are all set safe and sound for a considerable time. Wear in the bearings will allow some movement of the shafts in the seal lips which will result in more leaks fairly soon.
I would recommend that you buy good quality seals and bearings, its worth the extra to ensure the hubs remain in good shape for a few years.

Make sure your axle breather isn't blocked as this will cause oil to pressurise and leak through the seals

Thanks for that. I replaced the breathers when I did the initial work, so hopefully they are still clear.
I thought I would try the cap again on that wheel this morning so I removed the old one and replaced with a new one and used some sealant to be really sure! By the time I got to work it had the same pretty pattern of oil on the wheel!
So looks like its time to do the lot.
I will follow busters guide what parts do I need to order? Apologies because I have not googled yet to see if a kit is available! I will put some new hub caps on at the same time. Do you lose much oil when changing the bearings?

Thanks again

So on Rimmer Bros website and looking at the kits 90-110 & Defender Rear Hub & Stub Axle at www.rimmerbros.co.uk

In a nut shell below is the quick copy and paste. You say go for the better ones which I would normally do. However can there be that much difference in quality to make over £100 difference in the price?


LL1090 Image Rear Wheel Bearing Kit - 90 Early 90 up to Axle No 22S08283B 2 LL1090 In stock
Price Match

£114.17 ex VAT £137.00 inc VAT Qty:
LL1090P Image Rear Wheel Bearing Kit - 90 Early - Aftermarket
Aftermarket 90 up to Axle No 22S08283B 2 LL1090P In stock
Price Match

£12.50 ex VAT £15.00 inc VAT Qty:
LL1090BM Image Rear Wheel Bearing Kit - Bearmach BK 0100 2 LL1090BM Available to Order. Order NOW!
Price Match

Personally, I would go for original parts, but it's your choice and your pocket; some cheap aftermarket lip seals will not hold up for very long and you cant beat original bearings. I have used Rimmer Bros original parts they are good. You should not lose diff oil when changing seals and bearings.

Thanks for that, I will have to have a look at the bank first!! Strangly it has not been too bad since.