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I Like Old Skool

Member Since: 23 Feb 2015
Location: Manchester
Posts: 844

1994 Defender 110 300 Tdi ST Coniston Green

Strange propshaft failure.

I fitted a front prop 10yrs ago, just a cheapy one from Paddocks (FRC8386) so presumably a Britpart item. Has not given any problems, gets greased once or twice a year until grease purges from each bearing cup. I always knew it was a cheap one but intended fitting better UJs when the time came.

Was under the vehicle a couple of weeks ago and noticed one of the bearing cups had a clean ring where it had been turning against the retaining circlip so noted that it needed looking at. Just dropped the prop off for inspection and find that actually, 5 of the 8 cups are turning quite freely in the retaining collar.

This has surprised me and scuppered my plan to measure up for a replacement UJ. I suspect fitting new UJs will be a waste of good parts as the body is either worn or was originally machined outside of the interference fit spec? What I don't understand is how this has been fine for 8-9yrs and then suddenly a mass failure? The cups are all greasy and free to turn on the cross piece journals so not caused by seized cups.

Any ideas?

Anyway, a new Hardy Spicer/GKN item (TVB100610G) ordered from Gwyn Lewis. Same price as Paddocks except for plus P&P but the Paddocks picture shows a Britpart blue bag so I am going to GL for confidence that it is the real deal.

8th May 2025 2:48pm

Screbble

Member Since: 26 Apr 2015
Location: Lancashire
Posts: 2218

2004 Defender 90 Td5 XS CSW Zambezi Silver

Definitely the real deal with GL 👍

8th May 2025 7:48pm

custom90

Member Since: 21 Jan 2010
Location: South West, England.
Posts: 20821

Water can get in one single cup, despite grease, and disintegrate the roller bearings.
When the grease goes in the centre nipple, it will take the course of least resistance, so some cups can get less grease in them or none at all progressively over time.
It should distribute evenly, but over time it doesn’t always do that, and then some wear comes in from that.

Fords or river crossings and heavy water penetration is often a cause, which is why a lot of people like myself grease them around every quarter - 3 months, but especially after heavy water exposure.

I have Hardy Spicer and GKN on mine, Grease I use Castrol Lithium high temp, but Morris K48 is good too.
The former is a bit more slick and smooth, but lighter grease, the latter, the Morris K48 more heavy, but a bit more drag imo. _\Hennessey|Venom| F5/___
___\⭐️Lone|Star|State/___
____\We|Will|Win/___
____/🇬🇧🇺🇸\____
_//*⛽️🛢️⚙️🧰*\\_

9th May 2025 7:22pm

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