LR
All faults
Axles & drivelineHigh severity

Snapped rear half-shaft

Safety or reliability risk. Fix promptly.

Symptoms

Loud bang followed by no drive to the rear (in high range with diff lock off), or the vehicle moves only with front drive engaged.

Likely cause

Series rear half-shafts, especially on the Rover axle, are a known weak point. Shock loading, worn splines and wheelspin off-road are the usual triggers.

Suggested fixes

Listed roughly in the order most owners try them.

  1. 1

    Replace with an uprated half-shaft

    Remove the hub drive flange and withdraw the broken shaft. Retrieve the inner piece with a magnet. Fit a heavy duty shaft.

    Difficulty:
    Moderate DIY
    Cost:
    ££ (About £50 to £300)
  2. 2

    Drive home on front wheel drive

    Remove the broken shaft and drive flange, refit the hub cap or a blanking plate, and engage four wheel drive or diff lock to get home carefully.

    Difficulty:
    Easy DIY
    Cost:
    £ (Under about £50 in parts)
  3. 3

    Fit a Salisbury rear axle

    For hard used 109 inch vehicles, a Salisbury axle from a later model is far stronger.

    Difficulty:
    Experienced DIY
    Cost:
    £££ (Over about £300)

This is general guidance gathered from owner experience and workshop practice, not a substitute for a workshop manual or a qualified mechanic. Costs are rough parts-only guides. Brakes, steering and suspension work affects safety, so if in doubt have it checked professionally.

Related faults