Freelander 1 TD4 rear drive shaft seal replacement

Hi all, do the rear drive shafts just pull out of the diff or do they need a bit of persuasion & can I leave the d/shaft in the hub so I don't have to touch the hub bearing nut ? I started over 3 weeks ago replacing the rear dampers,springs & brake pipes but have had no time to continue with it until this afternoon. Everything is still off except the links to the hub, thanks in advance. (On my D2 the shafts just pull out easily)

Andy Warren said:

do the rear drive shafts just pull out of the diff or do they need a bit of persuasion

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Yes. Sharp smack and the shaft pulls out of the diff. Held by a C clip. I put a small block of wood on the joint and sharp smack does the job. Levering also works but can damage the diff case.

Andy Warren said:

can I leave the d/shaft in the hub so I don't have to touch the hub bearing nut ?

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Yes you can.
Might be worth replacing the bearing though while it is all to bits??

Do you mean here ? I have given it a light tap with a soft mallet but didn't want to go too mad.

Yes, block of wood, sharp smack. Tapping won't do it !!
Get it as square on the the axis of the shaft as you can. i.e. force in line of axis of shaft. I'll see if I have a photo of one removed.

Best I got !!

andyfreelandy said:

View attachment 252699 Best I got !!

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Brilliant, I'll have another 'harder' bash tomorrow it's just a bit awkward getting a decent swing on the mallet when working on the ground.

Looks like your diff oil seal has gone on holiday too, these prise out and the new one comes with a bonding gunge around the edges.

andyfreelandy said:

Looks like your diff oil seal has gone on holiday too, these prise out and the new one comes with a bonding gunge around the edges.

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I got one when I ordered the shocks etc, I'll have to take it out the packet & see if it has gunge round it. I know it wasn't genuine.

I got the drive shaft out today, came out easier than I thought & then had a bit of a fight with the seal. The new seal has got that brown gunge round it so I'll get that fitted tomorrow as I've run out of time today. Many thanks for the advice Andy,all the best.