What are manual free wheeling hubs?

4x4s that have an option to use 4x2 drive on the road are often equipped with fixed or automatic hubs.

The use of manual free wheeling hubs on the front axle can offer a smoother drive as well as reducing noise, vibrations and fuel consumption.

Why fit manual free wheeling hubs?

When your fixed or automatic hubs start to give up the ghost after many years of loyal service or breakage, manual free wheeling hubs can be used as a cost effective replacement 

In this article, we show you step-by-step how how easy it is to fit manual free wheeling hubs on your 4x4.

We used a Nissan Patrol Y61 for this tutorial however the steps are basically the same for many other 4x4 makes & models.

TOOLS REQUIRED

To fit the manual free wheeling hubs on your 4x4 you'll need the following:
- Pipe spanner or socket spanner
- Round head hex key (Allen key)
- Grease
- Cloths 

DIFFICULTY

To give you an idea of the difficulty level of our tutorials, we note them from 1 to 5.

Fitting these manual free wheeling hubs is a level 1 job.

WORKSHOP

1 -  Here are the automatic hubs we are going to replace.

2 - Here is an example of one of the manual free wheeling hub kits we sell.

3 - Start by putting the hubs into the "lock" position. then use the Allen key to remove the bolts that hold the automatic hub.

4 - Having undone the 6 bolts, remove the automatic hub.

5 - Place the gasket on the the new manual hub and rub some grease into the interior of the splined cavity.

6 - Place the new hub into position and then fit the six bolts. 

7 - Tighten the bolts correctly with the Allen key.

8 - By using a round head hex key (Allen key) you can screw the bolts back in at an angle which avoids having to remove the head of the hub.

9 - If you don't have a round headed hex key you will need to temporarily remove the head of the hub whilst you fit the hub itself into place.

10 - Job done! - The free wheeling manual hub is in place and now you can switch between 4x2 and 4x4 with ease!

11 - Now all that remains is to repeat the operation on the other side of your 4x4.

PARTS

Manual free wheeling hubs for Nissan Patrol Y61: 

Choose the correct manual free wheeling hubs for your 4x4:

credits: Thanks to Jeff - Patrol-gr.net

Please note: Euro4x4Parts publishes this information to help its customers but cannot be held responsible for the advice given here and practical consequences therin. 

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Please note: Euro4x4parts publishes this information to help its customers, but cannot be held responsible for the advice given here and their consequences when used.