Symptoms
Play in the wheel when rocked top to bottom, grinding, grease on the inside of the rim, or an auto hub that runs hot after a drive.
The fix, step by step
- Put the axle on stands and remove the wheel.
- Set the auto-locking hub to LOCK, remove its six 8 mm Allen bolts and pull the hub.
- Undo the two 22 mm caliper (torque member) bolts and tie the caliper out of the way.
- Remove the snap ring, washer and thrust ring, the lock-washer screws and lock washer, then the bearing lock nut.
- Pull the hub, catching the outer bearing, then lever out the seal and remove the inner bearing.
- Clean and repack both bearings, and fit a new seal.
- On reassembly, the Gregory's manual quoted on ExplorOz says to torque the lock nut to 167–196 Nm while rotating the hub, back it off, retighten to 3–5 Nm, then check the preload with a spring gauge (0–18.6 N starting force).
- Nissan's own Y61 service manual (FA section) gives the same figures, with zero axial end play.
- A Lonard's procedure gives different figures, so follow the Nissan ones.
Tools & part numbers
- 8 mm Allen key
- 22 mm socket and breaker bar
- GU hub-nut socket
- circlip pliers
- seal driver (the old seal flipped over works)
- wheel-bearing grease
- spring gauge
Where to buy the parts
Front wheel bearing kit, GU Y61HD Automotive ↗Amazon ↗
Front hub bearing seal, GQ/GUPatrolapart ↗Amazon ↗
Genuine Nissan hub-nut socket and lock screws, GU / late GQPatrolapart ↗Amazon ↗
Genuine Nissan auto-locking free-wheeling hub, GUPatrolapart ↗Amazon ↗
Hunting a used or discontinued part? Search eBay Motors for Nissan Patrol Y61 (GU) parts →
Rated for a competent home mechanic with a decent tool kit. Confirm torque figures, fluids and procedures against the factory service manual for your VIN, support the truck on stands rather than a jack, and work at your own risk (disclaimer). Some parts links are affiliate links, which pay us a small commission at no cost to you.