My 1997 Defender has the later swivels with no level or drain plugs. The top plug had a bit of grease on it but I have no way of knowing if there's enough lubricant in the housing.. My question is - if I push in some more one shot grease can it be overfilled affecting the oil seal? Any suggestions? Thanks
Hicap phill
Well-Known Member
How do you know it’s not all gone ?
How do you know it’s not all gone ?
Well you dont and that is the issue, so you have to assume it is good as draining it just wont happen.
I can tell you a d3 with a split outer cv gaiter will ruin the cv joint after about 3 winters, not me of course!
Yeah that's the point. I don't know what's left in there and that's the issue.How do you know it’s not all gone ?
Last edited:
What if it has all leaked out already? If I don't touch it then it will cause serious damage surely?
Thanks but I think I will find a way of dipping it or something. I can't leave it to hope and chance.
Hicap phill
Well-Known Member
You could put in your finger
Try 1/2 tube of 1shot grease in the swivel. Give it a week of use & look for leakage.
Then put finger in hole again see if you can feel anything.
Having Some in there is better than none
As Lynall said, you'll be able to see if they are leaking as the seals on the swivel ball will build up with black gunge. This is the one shot grease leaking out passed the the broken seals on the ball and collecting crap. If this isn't apparent, then they'll be ok. If you're still worried, do as Hicap phil said and put half a tube in each swivel.
Heat the grease pouch up in hot water to enable it to flow more easily. IIRC, the wheel needs to be turned out over, so the inner part of the swivel ball clears the fill hole, so the grease can drop straight inside the ball. If you don't do this and try to squeeze the grease straight in, it will ooze straight back out and down the back of the wheel assembly.
Heat the grease pouch up in hot water to enable it to flow more easily. IIRC, the wheel needs to be turned out over, so the inner part of the swivel ball clears the fill hole, so the grease can drop straight inside the ball. If you don't do this and try to squeeze the grease straight in, it will ooze straight back out and down the back of the wheel assembly.
frog hopper
Well-Known Member
If your really worried about it, turn the wheel as above to clear the way, then dip the level with a length of wire or similar. Don't drop it in.
