This is a half shaft from a "Rover style" differential, as fitted to the front and rear of Land Rovers from series one to series twoA (SI - SIIA), later short wheel base Land Rovers and also Range Rovers. A common mode of failure is for the inner splines to twist at the differential end when over-stressed, as for example when ascending a steep rocky hill, overloaded and using too much welly (ie. normal service). The spline may may not break until some time later, usually at the supermarket, when it has work hardened.

The moral of the story is to check the rear half shafts after returning from an offroad trip. To do this, undo the bolts holding the drive flange to the wheel hub and withdraw. Take care not to damage the paper gasket. Check the half shaft and replace with a new one if the splines are not perfectly straight. Repeat on the other side. Note that a little gear oil will escape from the hub when the flange is removed and steps should be taken to avoid making a mess over the wheel and ground.

Note that the much stronger Salisbury diff and axle fitted to the rear of later long wheel base Land Rovers is much stronger and very rarely gives trouble.

It is strongly recommended that a pair of rear half shafts should be in the toolkit of all Land Rovers fitted with Rover diffs at the rear.

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