Swivel pin housings

I was under the front of my vehicle (2004 TD5 110sw) this afternoon when I noticed that one of the swivel housings was clean shiny & smooth, but the bottom half of the other was covered in a black grease.

I presume the greasy one is because a seal has gone as it's not been like that before?

Firstly do yo think my diagnosis is correct and if so how difficult are the seals to replace?

Secondly, how long could I leave it before fixing?

I've read all the other threads, most of which refer to pitted balls and swapping oil for grease on 200/300 tdis.

either that or bearings are worn and swivel has free play ,grease was used on 300 tdis to reduce servicing ie filled for life , to do the seal ,remove chrome ball at axle end 7 x 9/16 or 14mm bihex bolts ,some cut it and put split at the top but youve got to remember garter spring

jamesmartin said:

either that or bearings are worn and swivel has free play ,grease was used on 300 tdis to reduce servicing ie filled for life , to do the seal ,remove chrome ball at axle end 7 x 9/16 or 14mm bihex bolts ,some cut it and put split at the top but youve got to remember garter spring

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Thanks James.

How can I tell if it's worn bearings? Play presumably? As I will need to buy parts before fixing I wouldn't want to buy things needlessly.

Er? what do I need to remember about the garter spring?

yes play ,oil seals have a garter spring that holds seal lip tight on surface obviously if you cut seal you need to split spring and rejoin ,otherwise if you undo ball you just need new seal ftc3401 ,and good 1/2 bihex for caliper bolts ,and some rtv silicone sealant for joints

Get the car in the air, and hold the tyre at the top and bottom, the check for roccking movement, also when th bearings go you sometimes need to pump your breaks..

Thanks for the advice guys. It looks like I've got shot bearings.

Oh well, so much for a relaxing weekend this weekend.