I've got a suspected failing rear propshaft centre bearing and looking on line and in the WM the Propshaft seems to be a two-piece item. It is connected at the Universal Joint with a splined shaft and bolt. There are plenty of replacement centre bearings available, however it isn't easy to get a replacement propshaft. The Propshaft, part no. LR030049 costs well over £300, but a good quality centre bearing is less than £100.
My question is how easy is it to remove the bolt to separate the two shaft parts, does the universal joint need to be dismantled to gain access or is it reachable with spanners or other tools.

Is there anybody out there with the knowledge, or have done this centre bearing replacement themselves?

TIA,

Just replaced my rear prop for an oe GKN part. The centre bearings available do not appear to be of good quality.
Once the prop is off there is a bolt & split washer to remove then split it down, it’s not easy to get off & refit the bearing. CamTech Craig on here advised to replace complete prop which is what I have just done.

I’m currently in the same boat which still doesn’t have a paddle! All advice gained is along lines of best to replace complete than fanny around, always seems to be the default answer.

The 4.4 TDV8 Propshaft is a two piece assembly and can be split easily (held together with a single bolt at the centre joint) so it's easy to replace just the bearing. Just make sure you get a genuine LR bearing and not an aftermarket one, as they're not as good as the original LR parts.

Hi just took rear prop shaft of to replace centre bearing. No number for just bearing from landrover so ordered cheap one and will relace the bearing with good quality, well that is the plan . have removed the shaft assembly and loosened the bolt inside centre joint but several taps and the two shaft don't seem to want to part company is the a knack or is is just rusty tighty.

It's most likely a standard metric bearing. Take the old bearing along to your local SKF, FAG or Timken vendor, and they can very likely sort you out with an OEM quality bearing at a fraction of what LR would charge.
Fitting a no-name eastern bearing will cause regret down the road.

Good luck

More often than not it’s the rubber bushing around the bearing that fails rather then the bearing itself.

Aftermarket ones don’t seem to last 5 minutes.

General consensus seems on here seems to be to replace the entire shaft. Our local specialist won’t entertain replacing just the bearing either so for me, given that it’s not exactly a 5 minute job to remove it, I’d replace the entire shaft with a GKN one from Advanced Factors.

David. 2002 4.6 Vogue SE - Alveston Red with Lightstone Leather
2012 Range Rover 5.0 SC Autobiography in Indus Silver with Jet/Ivory Interior
2012 Range Rover 4.4 TDV8 Autobiography in Baltic Blue with Sand Interior
2013 Range Rover Sport SDV6 HSE Black Edition in Santorini Black with Ebony Interior

Hi, why is it “consensus” to replace the whole shaft instead of the bearing+mount alone?
Anyone else yet have experience with the Terrafirma unit?

Else:
Planning to change my engine mounts on a 3.6 - anyone has been there?

Watch this to see what a hassle it is, personally I’d go for the GKN whole shift replacement

https://youtu.be/3iD2fzSp3R4?t=4 TDV8 4.4 2012

I replaced mine yesterday with a GKN which cost me less than £300 delivered, not bad as a one for a Dacia Duster 4X4 costs £325.

If I did it again would go quicker spent a while trying to remove rear top bolts ended up with a extension bar 3ft long

Looking at the old Propshaft there was quite a bit of play at both ends, so happy I replaced the whole thing. Matt

Current
2010 4.4 TDV8 Autobiography - Galway Green - Sand Leather Clear Glass
2012 Defender 90 HT XS 2.2 Puma Aintree Green

Hey Matt,

May I ask your mileage, is the play at the ends gone now?
Did you do this more as a preventative maintenance or had issues already?

Pal

I could feel a thudding at low speed acceleration so checked central bearing, there was a lot of movement. My car has done 135000 so guessing original propshaft.

Only noticed play in ends of Propshaft once I had removed it.

The thudding(could feel it when I put my arm on armrest) has gone. For less than £300 and a few hours I would definitely recommend replacing for peace of mind. Matt

Current
2010 4.4 TDV8 Autobiography - Galway Green - Sand Leather Clear Glass
2012 Defender 90 HT XS 2.2 Puma Aintree Green

MattVogue44 wrote:

I replaced mine yesterday with a GKN which cost me less than £300 delivered, so happy I replaced the whole thing.

Thanks Ramblin man, will try to use them👍🏻