Symptoms
Clunk when stopping or taking up drive, a wheel that won't drive, or a snapped shaft (usually at the diff end).
The fix, step by step
- The rear hubs are fully floating, so the shaft can come out without jacking the truck.
- Remove the six drive-flange bolts and the hub cap, pull the flange and shaft, and inspect the splines on both.
- Fit a new flange (and shaft if needed), clean both mating faces, add a thin film of RTV, and refit the six bolts to the specified torque.
- Upgraded 24-spline shafts are common; check flange bolt patterns (Series flanges have six bolts, Defender flanges five) before ordering.
Tools & part numbers
- Sockets, torque wrench, RTV sealant
- drive flange, half-shaft, gasket
Where to buy the parts
571711 drive flange, 24-spline, Series 2A–3LR Direct ↗Amazon ↗
231505 drive member gasket, SeriesLR Direct ↗Amazon ↗
90512701 drive flange bolt, Series 2 & 3LR Direct ↗Amazon ↗
Series half-shafts (search)Rovers North ↗
Hunting a used or discontinued part? Search eBay Motors for Land Rover Series I–III parts →
Rated for a competent home mechanic with a decent tool kit. Confirm torque figures, fluids and procedures against the factory service manual for your VIN, support the truck on stands rather than a jack, and work at your own risk (disclaimer). Some parts links are affiliate links, which pay us a small commission at no cost to you.