Leaking front diff...I think

[THL]

Hello,

Can anyone recommend a reputable 4x4 specialist in Hertfordshire who could rebuilt the front axle on an 80s Landcrusier? The front nearside wheel is covered in grease, inner and outer, and having taken it to the local garage they think the front axle and diff will need to be rebuilt.

The truck is used weekly so I'm guessing as all the grease is being flung out of the leak driving it is a bad idea as soon metal will start to grind on metal?

Any advice greatfully received.

 

[karl webster]

@Trevor

 

[Trevor]

PM sent

 

[frank rabbets]

If the diff is not noisy and not leaking from the drive flange is probo OK. It will need oil check level immediately though as oil is most likely being lost through the hubs. Best done then hubs rebuilt.

 

[THL]

Thanks Frank,

I'm taking it up to Trevor and we'll go from there!

 

[THL]

Thanks @karl webster and @frank rabbets

I took the truck up to Trevor last Friday, sadly it looks like a major botch has occurred. Trevor got as far as trying to use the 54mm box spanner which didn't fit, turns out its a possible Land Rover part botched in there to fit along with sealant. The truck is my father's so I asked him about it and he vaguely remembers a front NS axle/wheel problem that a mechanic fixed for him in Sicily. I know the mechanic and he is a straight bloke so what I suspect happened was that it was a far from ideal 'get-you-home' solution and he was told to get it properly sorted back in England and completely forgot. This was 5-7 years ago (!!!) so this explains the truck's appetite for wheel bearing etc.

As this is such a great truck and its only got 130,000 on the clock its definitely going to be fixed. I'll go the whole hog and replace drive flanges, all seals, both half shafts, both CV joints and perhaps even the stub axle on that side.

Just wanted to say a huge thanks to @Trevor for his help and advice so far. Cheers!