Hi,
I know this is probably a regular topic, but although my searches have covered the background I am still a bit unsure as to the best solution. At MOT the dealer, a main Landrover agent, highlighted wear in the rear drive flanges, not as a fail point but advising replacement and giving a price of a bit over £800 for parts an labour. From that I'm assuming they recommend replacing shafts as well. We didn't take up their recommendation but it's something I'll need to sort out myself.
The vehicle is only 7 years old, roughly 34,000 miles. No modifications, no locking diffs (except the standard centre) and not used for extreme offroading. Main offroad requirement is for snow on unmade tracks, or less often muddy fields or tracks. So I'm surprised the original parts are worn.
First decision is flanges, or flanges and shafts. Is there any ready way to tell if both are needed, or would it be fair to say that if there's play at the flange then the shaft is certainly worn?
Next decision is which parts, genuine Landrover, pattern or uprated aftermarket. Dealer price of £800 suggests around £600 parts price for genuine, which sounds expensive for something that wears out so quick. Online comments seems to suggest that low end pattern parts, for example Britpart, are rubbish. And that Ashcroft are considered among the best. I don't know if there's any middle ground, something better than original but less expensive than Ashcroft. Also don't know if there is any downside to fitting uprated parts, other than cost.
Any comments?
Thanks, Tony S
