In the Landys MOT a few weeks ago I had an advisory that there was an oil leak around the rear off side brake drum. He couldnt tell if it was brake fluid or axle oil.

I have stripped it down now and found the brake cylinder bone dry, so it must be the axle oil.

Now, the puzzling things are.

1; EP90 around the bearings and no sign of grease. Is this right?
2; How would EP90 get in around the bearings then inside the brake housing? I have looked in the Haynes book of lies and the landy workshop manual. Both show an oil seal as the first thing to go on when putting new bearings on. Just before that on the axle is a bit that sticks out just inside the brake housing assembly. Is this a seal I need to change as it looks solid metal and doesnt move anywhere.

Any help appreciated.

James

Have you had it apart yet, and are the paper gaskets sound?

They are easy to replace.

the paper gasket is shot on one of the bolt holes so needs changing. I have also gicved the rubber seal a wipe over and re fitted it all the the rubber seal looked ok with no splits etc. Put new "ep stinky" in and it runs alot smoother now. Not much oil came out the drain plug and what did come out was close to being melted milk chocolate. Caught it just in time me thinks! Funny what oil around cogs does to the sound of it running!

I put some grease over the bearings too as I think the ep90 works its way up to the bearings?

Sound as though you might have collected a drop or two of water inside your diff!

Check that your axle breather is free of gunge, and change the EP90 after about 500 miles.

Sounds like you've got the older type of oil seal, it's leather held in a steel casing. It will knock out with the inner bearing inner race. You can fit the newer rubber seals but the originals are still available. The manual does tell you to pack the bearings with grease on reassembly.