Front Auto Hubs???

[10G]

Question about the front auto hubs on GUs.

Do they bind up?

Occasionally when taking off, I get a thump noise from underneath, just like the sound you'd get if you drove over a branch on the road, also sounds like something unbinding or freeing up after being held.

I've also heard scraping noise from the front end, just like when you drag a branch underneath along the road.

I pulled over one day and the right hand side hub was noticeably warmer (not hot) than the left. I span the locking bolt in the hub around about 6 times and the noise went away.

I've heard that these hubs are strong and heard that they aren't, so have no idea. Are they known to fail or known to be darn strong? Anyone know?

Thanks for any info.

[mudnut]

I have read on this forum that too much grease in the AutoHub can cause them to engage.

Failing that, it might sound insane, but just check that your handbrake is releasing properly. My Q had that very same sound after parking on a slight downhill slope. I got out and searched for a stuck stick or stone. Unable to find anything, I got back in and drove off with no weird sound. It happened a couple of times before I realised it was the handbrake just barely hanging on.

[10G]

I have read on this forum that too much grease in the AutoHub can cause them to engage.

That's interesting. That could be something to look at. I had the mechanic look at the front hubs and bearings a little while back coz of this noise. He said he packed them again. I wonder if he put too much grease in the hubs and the hubs are now moving towards engaging and thereby rubbing and thereby making the noise I'm hearing???????

Thanks Craig.

[Hodge]

I believe these hubs are strong. Genuine ones definitely the best. The "Auto" function is what plays up on them sometimes. They can engage and disengage at will.
Mine 2 were clicking and carrying on sometimes, on both my Patrols. Took them out and converted to Manual. Best thing I've done. Now its either locked or unlocked.
Very handy if you need 2WD Low. Like reversing trailers or boats up inclines or driveways or whatever...

[MudRunnerTD]

i believe these hubs are strong. Genuine ones definitely the best. The "auto" function is what plays up on them sometimes. They can engage and disengage at will.
Mine 2 were clicking and carrying on sometimes, on both my patrols. Took them out and converted to manual. Best thing i've done. Now its either locked or unlocked.
Very handy if you need 2wd low. Like reversing trailers or boats up inclines or driveways or whatever...

^^^^^^ this ^^^^^

[10G]

^^^^^^ this ^^^^^

Hey Daz, do you mean 'this' about the auto hubs being strong or 'this' about removing them and putting in manual ones?

[mudnut]

Keep the hubs you have and just do the easy mod. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_S0Plk7Yscg

[BrazilianY60]

Autohubs locking is based on axle shafts relative movement in relation to the hubs. So, hub still and axle moving will cause it to lock (as intended, by the way). If the TC oil happens to be too thick, it could transfer some movement to the front driveshaft even disengaged. Little movement, no torque whatsoever, but enough to have the axles engage the autohub. Happened in my GQ and I recall seeing it explained here somewhere.

[Plasnart]

Autohubs locking is based on axle shafts relative movement in relation to the hubs. So, hub still and axle moving will cause it to lock (as intended, by the way). If the TC oil happens to be too thick, it could transfer some movement to the front driveshaft even disengaged. Little movement, no torque whatsoever, but enough to have the axles engage the autohub. Happened in my GQ and I recall seeing it explained here somewhere.

Hence the auto trans fluid specification for the TC which confused me greatly until I think it was @mudnut who explained it, then it all made sense!

[10G]

Autohubs locking is based on axle shafts relative movement in relation to the hubs. So, hub still and axle moving will cause it to lock (as intended, by the way). If the TC oil happens to be too thick, it could transfer some movement to the front driveshaft even disengaged. Little movement, no torque whatsoever, but enough to have the axles engage the autohub. Happened in my GQ and I recall seeing it explained here somewhere.

Ahhh, I see. Thanks bud.