Land Rover Defender: Ball and Roller Bearings

When removing and installing bearings, make sure that the following practices are observed to make sure component serviceability:

CAUTION: Service tools have been developed for removing the majority of bearings; these must always be used where specified.

• Remove all traces from bearing under inspection by cleaning with a suitable degreasant; maintain absolute cleanliness throughout operations.
• Conduct a visual inspection for markings on rolling elements, raceways, outer surfaces of outer or inner surfaces of inner rings. Reject any bearings found to be marked since marking in these areas indicates onset of wear.
• Hold inner race of bearing between finger and thumb of one hand and rotate outer race to check that it revolves absolutely smoothly. Repeat holding outer race and rotating inner race. DO NOT spin the bearing.
• Rotate outer ring gently using a reciprocating movement whilst holding inner ring; feel for any check or obstruction to rotation. Reject bearing if movement is not absolutely smooth.
• Check bearing for blueing or signs of overheating.
• Lubricate bearing with the specified lubricant.
• Inspect bearing surface of shaft and bearing housing for discoloration or other markings which indicate overheating of bearing or movement between bearing and seating.
• Before installing bearing, make sure that shaft and bearing housing are clean and free from burrs.
• If one bearing of a pair shows signs of wear, overheating etc., it is advisable to replace bearings as a pair unless it is suspected that one bearing may have been faulty when installed, was installed incorrectly or the fault arose due to oil seal failure.
• Never reinstall a bearing unless it is in a fully serviceable condition.

• When installing a bearing to a shaft, only apply force to the inner ring of the bearing. When installing a bearing into a housing, only apply force to the outer ring of the bearing.

CAUTION: Service tools have been developed for installing the majority of bearings; these must always be used where specified.

• In the case of grease lubricated bearings, fill the space between the bearing and outer seal with the recommended grade of grease before installing the seal.

CAUTION: When a waxed oil seal (installed dry) type of oil seal is to be installed, take great care that grease does not contaminate the running surface of the seal.

• Always make suitable reference marks between the components of separable bearings e.g. taper roller bearings when disassembling to make sure correct location of components when assembling. Never install new rollers in an outer ring, always install a new bearing assembly.

BRAKE PADS AND LININGS

Always install the correct grade and specification of brake pads and linings. When replacing these items, always replace as complete axle sets.

BRAKE HYDRAULICS

Always observe the following recommendations when working on the braking system:

WARNING: Do not mix brake fluid of different specifications.

• Always use two spanners when loosening or tightening brake pipes or hose connections.
• Make sure that hoses run in a natural curve and are not kinked or twisted.

  Install brake pipes and hoses securely in their retaining clips and make sure that they cannot contact a potential chafing point.

• Containers used for brake fluid must be kept absolutely clean.
• Do not store brake fluid in unsealed containers, the fluid will absorb water which will lower the boiling point of the fluid.
• Do not allow brake fluid to be contaminated with other fluids such as mineral oil and do not put brake fluid in a container which has previously been used for storing other fluids.
• Do not re-use brake fluid which has been bled from the system.
• Always use brake fluid or a suitable brake cleaning fluid to clean hydraulic components.
• Unless stated otherwise, use only clean brake fluid to lubricate hydraulic seals and components.
• Always install blanking plugs to hoses, pipes or components immediately after disconnection.
• Check thread compatibility of original equipment with replacement components.
• Observe absolute cleanliness when working with hydraulic components.

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