Hey guys! If you're a Nissan Patrol owner, you know these beasts are built tough, but even the toughest trucks need some TLC now and then. One of those TLC moments often involves the swivel hubs. These are crucial for your Patrol's 4x4 system, allowing the front wheels to turn and articulate properly. Ignoring a worn swivel hub can lead to some serious issues, like sloppy steering, vibrations, and even damage to other components. So, if you're noticing any of these symptoms, it might be time for a rebuild. Don't worry, it's a job you can tackle at home with the right tools and a bit of patience. This guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, making it as straightforward as possible.

Why Rebuild Your Swivel Hubs?

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty, let's talk about why rebuilding your swivel hubs is so important. Your Nissan Patrol's swivel hubs are constantly exposed to the elements: water, mud, dust, and everything else the trail throws at them. Over time, this exposure, combined with the constant movement and stress, takes its toll. The grease inside can break down, seals can crack and leak, and bearings can wear out. A neglected swivel hub leads to a cascade of problems.

• Poor Steering: Worn bearings and loose components cause excessive play in the steering system. This translates to vague steering response, making it harder to keep your Patrol pointed where you want it, especially off-road. Imagine trying to navigate a rocky trail with a steering wheel that feels like it's connected to nothing – not fun.
• Vibrations: As the swivel hub components degrade, they can cause vibrations, especially at higher speeds. These vibrations aren't just annoying; they can also indicate more serious underlying issues. Ignoring them could lead to further damage and more expensive repairs down the road. Think of it like a nagging cough – it might seem minor at first, but it could be a sign of something worse.
• Damage to Other Components: A failing swivel hub puts extra stress on other parts of your Patrol's front end, including the CV joints, axles, and even the differential. By rebuilding your swivel hubs, you're not just fixing the immediate problem; you're also preventing potential damage to these other vital components. It's like preventative medicine for your Patrol's front end.
• Uneven Tire Wear: Misalignment caused by worn swivel hub components leads to uneven tire wear. You'll notice that your tires are wearing out faster on one side than the other, costing you money and reducing your vehicle's handling. Keeping your swivel hubs in good condition helps ensure even tire wear and extends the life of your tires.

In short, rebuilding your swivel hubs is an investment in your Patrol's longevity, safety, and performance. It's a job worth doing right, and this guide will help you do just that.

What You'll Need

Okay, so you're convinced that a swivel hub rebuild is in order. Now, let's gather the necessary tools and parts. Having everything on hand before you start will save you time and frustration. Trust me, there's nothing worse than getting halfway through a job and realizing you're missing a crucial component. Here's a comprehensive list:

Parts:

• Swivel Hub Rebuild Kit: This is the heart of the operation. A good quality kit will include new bearings, seals, gaskets, and shims. Make sure you get a kit specifically designed for your Nissan Patrol model and year. Don't skimp on quality here; a cheap kit could end up costing you more in the long run.
• Swivel Hub Grease: You'll need plenty of high-quality, waterproof grease to pack the new bearings and lubricate the swivel hub components. Marine grease is a good option, as it's designed to withstand harsh conditions. Don't use just any old grease; make sure it's suitable for swivel hubs.
• CV Joint Grease (if removing CV joints): If you plan to remove the CV joints for a thorough cleaning and inspection (which is highly recommended), you'll need CV joint grease to repack them upon reassembly. Again, use a high-quality grease specifically designed for CV joints.
• New Split Pins/Cotter Pins: Always replace these; never reuse old ones. They're cheap, and they're essential for securing various components.
• Threadlocker: A medium-strength threadlocker (like Loctite) is useful for securing bolts and preventing them from loosening due to vibration.

Tools:

• Jack and Jack Stands: Safety first! Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack. Use sturdy jack stands to support the Patrol securely.
• Wheel Chocks: Place wheel chocks behind the rear wheels to prevent the vehicle from rolling.
• Socket Set: You'll need a comprehensive socket set with various sizes to handle the different bolts and nuts on the swivel hub assembly.
• Wrench Set: A set of open-end and box-end wrenches will complement your socket set.
• Torque Wrench: This is crucial for tightening bolts to the correct specifications. Overtightening can damage components, while undertightening can lead to loosening and failure.
• Hammer: A regular hammer and a rubber mallet will come in handy for various tasks.
• Pry Bar: A pry bar can help separate stubborn components.
• Punch Set: A punch set will be useful for driving out old bearings and seals.
• Bearing Press or Bearing Separator: This is essential for removing and installing bearings without damaging them. If you don't have one, you might be able to rent one from an auto parts store.
• Grease Gun: You'll need a grease gun to pack the new bearings with grease.
• Pick Set: A pick set is useful for removing old seals and gaskets.
• Brake Cleaner: Brake cleaner is great for cleaning parts and removing grease and grime.
• Rags: Lots of rags! You'll need them for cleaning parts and wiping up spills.
• Gloves: Protect your hands from grease and chemicals.
• Safety Glasses: Protect your eyes from flying debris.
• Service Manual: A service manual specific to your Nissan Patrol model is invaluable. It will provide torque specifications, diagrams, and other helpful information.

Having all these tools and parts ready to go will make the job much smoother and more efficient. Now, let's get started!

Step-by-Step Guide

Alright, with all the prep work done, it's time to get our hands dirty! This step-by-step guide will walk you through the entire Nissan Patrol swivel hub rebuild process. Remember to take your time, be patient, and don't hesitate to consult your service manual if you're unsure about anything.

1. Preparation

• Safety First: Chock the rear wheels, loosen the lug nuts on the front wheel you'll be working on, jack up the vehicle, and securely support it with jack stands. Remove the front wheel.
• Disconnect Brake Components: Carefully disconnect the brake caliper and brake hose. Secure the caliper out of the way so it doesn't strain the brake hose. You can use a bungee cord or wire to hang it from the suspension.
• Remove the Hub: Remove the hub assembly. This usually involves removing the center cap, cotter pin, locking hub mechanism (if equipped), and the hub nut. You may need a special socket for the hub nut.

2. Disassembly

• Remove the Swivel Hub Assembly: Disconnect the steering tie rod end from the steering knuckle. Then, carefully remove the swivel hub assembly from the axle housing. It might be a bit stuck, so use a pry bar gently if needed.
• Disassemble the Swivel Hub: Now comes the fun part! Disassemble the swivel hub assembly, removing the knuckle, bearings, seals, and shims. Pay close attention to the order of the components and how they fit together. Taking pictures as you go can be helpful for reassembly. Use your punch set and hammer to carefully drive out the old bearings and seals. A bearing press or separator will make this task much easier.
• Clean Everything: Thoroughly clean all the components with brake cleaner. Remove all traces of old grease, dirt, and grime. This will allow you to inspect the parts for wear and damage and ensure proper lubrication of the new components.

3. Inspection

• Inspect Bearings: Check the old bearings for signs of wear, damage, or pitting. If they're in bad shape, it's a good indication that the swivel hub needed rebuilding.
• Inspect Swivel Hub Housing: Examine the swivel hub housing for cracks, damage, or excessive wear. If the housing is damaged, it will need to be replaced.
• Inspect Axle Shaft and CV Joint: While you have everything apart, take the opportunity to inspect the axle shaft and CV joint for wear or damage. If the CV joint is loose or clicking, it's time to rebuild or replace it.

4. Reassembly

• Install New Bearings and Seals: Using a bearing press or bearing installer tool, carefully install the new bearings and seals into the swivel hub housing. Make sure they are seated properly and flush with the housing. Apply a generous amount of swivel hub grease to the bearings as you install them.
• Install Shims: Refer to your service manual for the correct shim placement and thickness. Shims are used to adjust the preload on the swivel hub bearings. Proper preload is crucial for long bearing life and proper steering feel.
• Reassemble the Swivel Hub: Reassemble the swivel hub components in the reverse order of disassembly. Make sure all the components are properly aligned and seated.
• Grease the Swivel Hub: Pack the swivel hub with plenty of high-quality swivel hub grease. Make sure the grease is evenly distributed and that all the bearings and seals are well-lubricated.

5. Reinstallation

• Reinstall the Swivel Hub Assembly: Carefully reinstall the swivel hub assembly onto the axle housing. Align the bolt holes and install the bolts. Tighten the bolts to the torque specifications listed in your service manual. Use threadlocker on the bolts to prevent them from loosening.
• Reconnect Steering Tie Rod End: Reconnect the steering tie rod end to the steering knuckle and tighten the nut to the specified torque.
• Reinstall the Hub: Reinstall the hub assembly, including the hub nut, locking hub mechanism (if equipped), and cotter pin. Tighten the hub nut to the specified torque. Make sure the cotter pin is properly installed to secure the hub nut.
• Reconnect Brake Components: Reconnect the brake caliper and brake hose. Bleed the brakes to remove any air from the system.
• Reinstall the Wheel: Reinstall the front wheel and tighten the lug nuts to the specified torque.

6. Final Steps

• Lower the Vehicle: Carefully lower the vehicle to the ground.
• Test Drive: Take the Patrol for a test drive and check for any unusual noises, vibrations, or steering issues. If everything seems okay, you're good to go!
• Check and Adjust: After a few miles, recheck the torque on all the bolts and nuts. Also, check the swivel hub for any leaks or signs of problems.

Tips and Tricks

• Take Pictures: As mentioned earlier, taking pictures during disassembly can be extremely helpful for reassembly. It's easy to forget where things go, especially if you're interrupted or working on the project over multiple days.
• Label Everything: Use masking tape and a marker to label all the parts as you remove them. This will help you keep track of where everything goes and prevent confusion during reassembly.
• Work Clean: Keep your work area clean and organized. This will help you avoid losing parts and prevent contamination of the new components.
• Use the Right Tools: Using the correct tools for the job will make the process much easier and prevent damage to the components. Don't try to force anything; if it doesn't fit, you're probably doing something wrong.
• Consult the Service Manual: Your service manual is your best friend. It contains valuable information about torque specifications, diagrams, and troubleshooting tips. Don't hesitate to refer to it whenever you're unsure about something.
• Don't Rush: Rebuilding swivel hubs is not a race. Take your time, be patient, and pay attention to detail. Rushing the job can lead to mistakes and potential problems down the road.

Conclusion

So there you have it, guys! A complete guide to rebuilding your Nissan Patrol swivel hubs. It might seem like a daunting task at first, but with the right tools, a bit of patience, and this guide, you can definitely tackle it yourself. Remember to prioritize safety, take your time, and don't hesitate to ask for help if you get stuck. By keeping your swivel hubs in good condition, you'll ensure your Patrol's longevity, safety, and off-road performance for years to come. Happy wrenching!