Fixing GQ/GU auto hubs

[YNOT]

G'day all,

Auto hubs are the same GQ and GU, they are an auto hub (much the same as any other auto hub) except that they have a manual over ride that allows you to manually lock them in using the wheel brace. This set up, although not as strong as the full manual hubs, give you the best of both worlds. An auto hub for those times when you're not expecting to need 4WD, and a manual hub for when things get serious. Some owners never bother to manually lock them in as they find the auto lock does everything they need, but they run the risk of the hub unlocking when you change direction. Manually locking them stops them unlocking.


The Patrol auto hubs have a habit of making clicking noises and not engaging and disengaging properly. You can fix them by removing the auto locking mechanism, making them a manual hub. Auto becomes free and locked is still locked. And it's easy to do.

Remove the hubs from the vehicle, shift them to the locked position, and using a large screw driver or small lever bar, prise out the auto locking mechanism. There are six steel tangs holding the mechanism in place, so it takes a bit of force to do. You can see which part you need to remove in the photos.


Hub on the right is how it looks when you first remove it from the vehicle, hub on the left has the auto mechanism removed.


This pic shows the underside of the auto mechanism. Hubs are ready to refit.

***NOTE, since posting this I have found that on some GQ's the auto locking mechanism is mounted on the end of the axle instead of on the hub as shown above. Removing the mechanism may require the fitting of a small spacer to limit axle movement.
Tony

[AB]

Great info and pics, cheers Tony!

[Maxhead]

Wow, that looks easy enough.
Would the hub after this mod be as strong as a manual hub?(might be a silly question but I'm not very mechanical)

I haven't had any problems with my auto ones yet but heard they do play up and the option was to go to a manual hub....
the only downside I can see is you wouldn't have the little handle to lock them and would have to use a shifter all the time.

Cool, thanks Tony

[YNOT]

It really is as easy as it looks.
Strength wise they are not as strong as Nissan manual hubs.
Not sure what you mean having to use a shifter to lock them in? You use the wheel brace to lock in the Nissan auto hubs shown.

Tony

[Maxhead]

Not sure what you mean having to use a shifter to lock them in? You use the wheel brace to lock in the Nissan auto hubs shown.

Tony

Yes, what I meant was you will need to get a brace to lock/unlock the hubs every time instead just turning the knob (like on manual hubs)
But still a handy little mod for your auto hubs.

[Roo72]

A 21mm tap(tube) spanner from bunnings plumbing dept. works a treat...just got one this morning....to finish a little plumbing job... tried it out on mine ..neat fit and will easily store in the drivers door console/map pocket so its handy at any time.

Cheers, Roo.

[NickBGU4]

Great post Tony, I've done this mod to my Patrol and it works really well.

[Finly Owner]

G'day all,

The Patrol auto hubs have a habit of making clicking noises and not engaging and disengaging properly. You can fix them by removing the auto locking mechanism, making them a manual hub. Auto becomes free and locked is still locked. And it's easy to do.

Remove the hubs from the vehicle, shift them to the locked position, and using a large screw driver or small lever bar, prise out the auto locking mechanism. There are six steel tangs holding the mechanism in place, so it takes a bit of force to do. You can see which part you need to remove in the photos.


Hub on the right is how it looks when you first remove it from the vehicle, hub on the left has the auto mechanism removed.


This pic shows the underside of the auto mechanism. Hubs are ready to refit.

Tony

another one for Tonys file

[my third 256]

hi on auto hubs why do they have a lock position on them i thought they locked in automatically
can someone please explaine
thanks stephen

[YNOT]

They are an auto hub with a manual over ride. Auto hubs can under certain circumstances unlock when you may not want them to, being able to manually lock them in will stop this from happening.

Tony