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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
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