by Mervin » Sun Apr 04, 2010 6:57 pm
Managed to locate a pair from a Rodeo and had them sent to me. After pulling the auto hubs apart and not ever playing with free wheeling hubs, i was a bit daunted with putting on the hubs when i hadn't pulled them off the donor vehicle. Thought i would supply some info for anyone thinking of doing the same. If you have done this or are familiar with hubs this will be common knowledge but this is aimed at anyone like myself with limited knowledge and a bit unsure. I had already pulled apart the auto hub, i had a look at the spline on the axle, my 94 MU had a 17 spline, i rang around the wreckers and found some, the donor vehicle was a 91 Rodeo, cannot confirm what fits what but i reckon if you get a 17 spline of Rodeo or Jackaroo around early 90,s you would be right. i told the wreckers i wanted every bolt nut washer and c clip down to the wheel bearing, as i did not know if any parts were interchangeable with the auto hubs. As it turns out make sure you get all the bolts and the c clip and small washer/spacer that fit to the end of the axle.[this is not used on the auto hubs but my axle still had the groove for it] The free wheeling hubs are very simple in comparison to the auto hubs, Unlike the auto hubs that you need to disassemble completely to remove, the free wheel hubs come off the vehicle in two parts and go back on as easily. I was not going to pull them apart to rebuild them as suggested but after looking at them thought i would give it a go. This is very easy and defiantly worth while, do not need a step by step at all, if you take note how they come apart they are easy to clean up, re grease and reassemble. The longest part was waiting for the paint to dry! A couple of things to note....when removing the free - lock dial from the housing be aware of the small ball bearing and spring. I tried to find gaskets with no luck so made my own which work fine. Putting them on the vehicle is straight forward, the only suggestion is when you put the c clip in last you need to pull the axle toward you as it floats in and out through the wheel bearing, before you start find a bolt that is the same thread as the inside of the axle[this will make sense when you look at the axle]. Have taken the Mu out yesterday and fairly stoked that it doesn't mesh, i would even say better than ever with traction in the eight years Ive had it. Even if your auto hubs are working i reckon this is a worth while mod.....