Bridge assembly — removal and installation (Defender 2007+)

Removal

WARNING: Removal and installation of the bridge requires two additional people to support the bridge while lowering or moving it.

1. Place supports under the front of the chassis.

2. Remove the wheels.

3. Place a hydraulic jack under the bridge.

4. Loosen the nuts securing the trailing arms to the chassis frame.



5. Disconnect the steering damper from the steering rod. Using a puller, remove the steering rod ends from the steering knuckles.

6. Unscrew the four nuts and remove the bolts securing the trailing arms to the bridge bracket.

7. Remove the trailing arms.

8. Remove the brake hose bracket mounting bolts. Reinstall the bolts to prevent oil leakage.

9. Remove the bolts from the brake calipers and tie the calipers to the side.

10. Unscrew the nuts and remove the washers securing the shock absorbers to the body.

11. Disconnect the longitudinal steering rod from the steering knuckle arm.

12. Unscrew the two nuts and remove the bolts securing the Panhard rod to the bridge bracket. Lift the rod above the bridge.

13. Apply reference marks on the flanges of the cardan shaft to facilitate subsequent assembly. Unscrew the four nuts, remove the corresponding bolts and tie the cardan shaft to the side.



14. Loosen the axle vent line banjo nipple and lower the axle assembly. Remove the springs.



15. Disconnect the anti-roll bar.

For more information, refer to the chapter: Front Stabilizer Bar (204-01 Front suspension, Removal and installation).

16. Remove the bridge assembly.

17. Move the elements to the new bridge if they fit.

Installation

1. Position the axle under the vehicle, support the left side of the axle and install the stabilizer bar struts.

For more information, refer to the chapter: Front Stabilizer Bar (204-01 Front suspension, Removal and installation).

2. Install the propeller shaft. Tighten the bolts to 47 Nm.

3. Install the Panhard bar onto the axle bracket. Tighten the bolts to 88 Nm.

4. Connect the longitudinal steering rod to the steering knuckle arm. Tighten the fastening elements with a force of 40 Nm.

5. Install the shock absorbers on the axle.

6. Install the brake calipers. Tighten the bolts to 82 Nm.

7. Tighten the upper steering knuckle bolts to 78 Nm.

8. Install the trailing arms onto the axle brackets. Tighten the bolts to 197 Nm.

9. Connect the steering shock absorber to the steering rod.



10. Connect the trailing arms to the chassis side members. Tighten the fasteners to 197 Nm.

(Original version of the article on the website: LRMAN.RU)

11. Tighten the tie rod end to 40 Nm and install a new cotter pin.

12. Remove the supports from under the chassis. Install the wheels and tighten them to the specified torque.

• 1. Alloy wheels - 130 Nm
• 2. Steel wheels - 100 Nm
• 3. Wheels with increased performance characteristics - 170 Nm