Hub noise after changing from 4x4...

[modustollens]

Been noticing a noise.
So, here are some symptoms:

When I switch into 4 wheel drive and go I don't notice much. But when I switch back into two wheel a grinding sound will start up - very fast sound, like a baseball card in a bike's spokes. Reversing and backing up will make this noise go away.

I read the forums about this and it sounds like the hub. The outside of the car says 'auto-locking hub'. Sounds like this is a common problem. Even my description of the noise is common - I found another thread where I guy described it the same way: "suddenly a noise exactly like a kid holding a stick on the spokes of his bike." (http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forum...o+locking+hubs)

When the noise first started it would only make a noise after switching back into two wheel drive. But now I have noticed a bit of a noise - though not the same one, when going slow in 4 wheel drive. I don't know if it is there when going fast though for there are too many other noises. I did go and buy a bunch of small screws and washers and, after drilling little holes, I systematically fastened every My patrol is more like a dirty old farm truck so I suspect the grease has long since departed.

I assume it started out not fully disengaging and has now progressed to not fully engaging.

I notice nothing when in 2 wheel drive (after reversing, of course).

I have looked at the manual and read this forum. I am researching what I need to do. Perhaps it just needs a cleaning and a lubrication (for this car is very old and was not maintained at all until I bought it).

Is this an easy job - to at least take it off and give the hub an inspection?

P.

[MudRunnerTD]

Hi mate, yes the hub is simple to remove and relatively self explanatory to then strip down. Give it a clean up and you should be ale to figure out its function and that will let you see which piece is making the noise.

Pack with grease a d refit assuming it is serviceable.

[modustollens]

I was reading about people manually locking the hub with a wheel brace. Maybe I am missing something; but there does not seem to be anything to attach any tool to on the outside of the hub (the hub on my machine looks like this:



When I get a chance to pull them off I'll snap a few pictures - these may have been other for 20 years...

MT

[MudRunnerTD]

What country are you in? Auto hubs in Australia don't look like your pic. They have a hex bolt head in the centre the same size as a wheel nut and they are always set to auto but you can manually set them to Lock.

[CPOCSM]

Had the same thing happen to me recently. Changed from 2 to 4wd on the fly as I hit a gravel road. Changed back to 2wd when I hit the black top again and after about five minutes heard a humming from the front end. Turned out the hubs were still engaged...stopped...reversed...heard the two clicks...problem solved.

Just hoping you don't damage the hubs if they remain engaged.

[MudRunnerTD]

This is the auto hub we have on the GQ and GU in aus

ImageUploadedByMotorculture1403565667.440003.jpg


Sent from my iPhone using Motorculture mobile app

[modustollens]

My machine is in Kazakhstan. From stickers on the inside of the frame it looks like it may have spent some time in Germany. Other than that I have no idea of its pedigree.

Maybe in a few days I can pull it off and take a look.

Lots of people write about the grease and how it is important not to put too much on. How do I know when I have the correct amount?

MT

[MudRunnerTD]

My machine is in Kazakhstan. From stickers on the inside of the frame it looks like it may have spent some time in Germany. Other than that I have no idea of its pedigree.

Maybe in a few days I can pull it off and take a look.

Lots of people write about the grease and how it is important not to put too much on. How do I know when I have the correct amount?

MT

Makes sure everything has grease on it but don't pack the hub with grease or it has no room to function.

[modustollens]

Once I take out the bolts will it slide off easily or will it need to be pried off? Are the pieces locked in place or is there a danger of all the pieces spilling out onto the ground?

As for cleaning - is there a preferred method?

MT

[MudRunnerTD]

Should come off in a single piece. Just give it a tap with a mallet and it should come off.

Degreaser spray and function is the go