Swivels question

My lad's 110 TD5 is going to need a new swivel on the offside - as it has leaked everywhere I assume it will need to whole thing replacing?
Couple of questions for people with more knowledge than me (which will be most Defender owners!) - is there anyway I can check if it's just a seal that has gone? As I've never done anything like this before is it a job we can do ourselves or is it better to have it done by a mechanic?
It's not noted on last years MOT but I'm convinced by the amount of oily snot around it's going to be an instant fail on this years.

Look at the swivel housing,if the housing is not pitted or has rust spots then a new seal should be fine. The book says you have to take the whole hub unit appart to do this job. However it can be done the following way.
Jack and support axle and remove wheel.
Remove brake caliper and tie it up out of the way [ no need to disconnect brake pipe.]
Remove the bolts that hold the swivel housing to the axle. Easing oil [soak some days before you do the job] and a good ring spanner. Track and steering rod need to be parted on o/s. only track on n/s.
Hub unit is quiet heavy so support on a trolly jack and withdraw from axle casing.
Remove the small bolts that hold the seal retainer ring and prise out the old seal. New seal and casing gasket needed.
Hope this gives you an idea of what is involved.

not too bad a job for the mechanically minded. some good clips on youtube will help.

I managed it on mine, did new bearings etc whilst I was at it. My swivel ball was in fantastic condition, it was just the seal worn out. Just find a good set of instructions, few tools and take your time.

Always wonderd why you don't just cut the seal and fit with joint at top...that's how my 101 are cause you can't take swivel off and there is no pressure to force oil out it was an easy job on mine...

People do the cut trick to defenders too, I think it’s a preference thing.

Huddy84 said:

People do the cut trick to defenders too, I think it’s a preference thing.

Click to expand...

It's not a straight cut through on the 101 seal though it's featherd...a scarfe joint in carpentry I think...