Bridge assembly — removal and installation (Defender 2007+)

Removing

WARNING: Removal and installation of the bridge requires an additional two people to support the bridge when it is lowered or moved.

1. Drain the brake fluid from the brake system.



2. Place supports under the rear of the chassis.

3. Remove wheels.

4. Place a hydraulic jack under the axle.

5. Disconnect shock absorbers.

6. Release the brake hose from the clamp on the right side member of the chassis and disconnect the vent hose by disengaging the nipple type "banjo" (with hollow screw) on the drive axle housing.

7. Disconnect the lower levers from the bridge.

8. Mark the differential and driveshaft flanges for ease of assembly.

9. Remove the 4 nuts, remove the appropriate bolts, lower the driveshaft and tie it aside.

10. Disconnect the swing arm ball joint from the axle bracket.

11. Release bolts and remove laths of fastening of springs.

12. Lower the axle and remove the springs.

13. If applicable, remove the anti-roll bars from the axle.

For more information, see chapter: Stabilizer Bar (204-02, Removal and installation).

14. Remove the bridge assembly.

Installation

1. Install bridge and connect lower arms. Tighten the fasteners to 176 Nm.

2. If applicable, connect the stabilizer links to the axle.

For more information, see chapter: Stabilizer Bar (204-02, Removal and installation).

3. Raise bridge and install springs.

4. Establish laths of fastening of springs and fix them with bolts.

5. Connect the swing arm ball joint to the axle bracket. Tighten the fastening element with a force of 176 Nm.

6. Align the cardan shaft with the differential flange and tighten the fasteners to 47 Nm.

7. Connect a brake hose and a ventilating hose of the bridge.

8. Install shock absorbers.

9. Install the wheels and tighten them to the prescribed torque: Light alloy wheels - 130 Nm. Steel wheels - 100 Nm. Heavy duty wheels - 170 Nm.

10. Remove the support from under the rear of the chassis.

11. Remove air from the brake system.

For more information, see the chapter: Brake System Bleeding (206-00, General procedures).