Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the world of Nissan Patrols, specifically tackling a crucial maintenance task: rebuilding the swivel hubs. If you've noticed some looseness in your steering, unusual noises coming from the front end, or just want to ensure your Patrol is in tip-top shape for your next off-road adventure, then this guide is for you. A well-maintained swivel hub is essential for the overall performance and safety of your Nissan Patrol, and in this guide, we will provide you a detailed step-by-step process that you can easily follow.

Why Rebuild Your Nissan Patrol Swivel Hubs?

Before we get our hands dirty, let's talk about why this rebuild is so important. The swivel hubs, also known as kingpins, are a critical part of your Patrol's front axle. They allow the front wheels to pivot for steering, and they house important bearings and seals that keep everything running smoothly. Over time, these components can wear out due to a number of factors, the most common of which are:

• Contamination: Water, mud, and other debris can enter the swivel hub assembly, contaminating the grease and causing corrosion and wear.
• Lack of Lubrication: Insufficient grease can lead to increased friction and premature wear of the bearings and seals.
• Hard use: Regular off-roading, especially in challenging conditions, puts extra stress on the swivel hubs, accelerating wear and tear.

Ignoring these issues can lead to several problems, including:

• Poor Steering: Worn swivel hub bearings can cause play in the steering, making it feel loose and unresponsive. You might notice wandering or difficulty keeping the vehicle straight.
• Vibrations: Excessive play in the swivel hubs can also cause vibrations, especially at higher speeds.
• Noise: Grinding, clicking, or popping noises from the front end can indicate worn or damaged swivel hub components.
• Increased Tire Wear: Misalignment caused by worn swivel hubs can lead to uneven and premature tire wear.
• Damage to Other Components: If left unaddressed, worn swivel hubs can put stress on other parts of the front axle, such as the CV joints and wheel bearings.

By rebuilding your swivel hubs, you can address these issues, restore your Patrol's steering and handling, and prevent further damage. So, let's get started!

Tools and Parts You'll Need

Okay, before we begin, make sure you have all the necessary tools and parts on hand. This will save you time and frustration later on. Here's a list of what you'll need:

Tools

• Jack and Jack Stands: To safely lift and support your Patrol.
• Wheel Chocks: To prevent the vehicle from rolling.
• Sockets and Wrenches: A comprehensive set of metric sockets and wrenches.
• Torque Wrench: For tightening bolts to the correct specifications.
• Pliers: Including snap ring pliers.
• Hammer: A regular hammer and a soft-faced hammer.
• Punch and Chisel: For removing stubborn parts.
• Grease Gun: For packing the new bearings with grease.
• Bearing Packer (Optional): Makes greasing the bearings easier.
• Hub Puller (Optional): Can be helpful for removing the hub assembly.
• Seal Driver (Optional): For installing new seals without damaging them.
• Thread Locker: Such as Loctite.
• Penetrating Oil: To loosen rusted bolts.
• Cleaning Supplies: Brake cleaner, rags, and a parts cleaning brush.
• Gloves: To protect your hands.
• Safety Glasses: To protect your eyes.

Parts

• Swivel Hub Rebuild Kit: This should include new bearings, seals, gaskets, and shims. Make sure you get a kit that's specifically designed for your Nissan Patrol model and year.
• Swivel Hub Grease: High-quality grease specifically designed for swivel hubs. This is usually a moly-based grease.
• CV Joint Grease (Optional): If you're removing the CV joints, you might want to regrease them.
• New Split Pins/Cotter Pins: For securing the hub nut and other components.
• New Hub Nut (Optional): If your old hub nut is damaged or corroded, it's a good idea to replace it.

With all of that prepared, you will surely have a smooth Nissan Patrol swivel hub rebuild. Now, let's move on to the step-by-step guide for rebuilding your Nissan Patrol's swivel hubs.

Step-by-Step Guide to Rebuilding Your Nissan Patrol Swivel Hubs

Alright, let's get down to business! Here's a detailed step-by-step guide to rebuilding your Nissan Patrol's swivel hubs. Remember to work on one side at a time so you can use the other side as a reference if needed. This process will require focus and attention to details, so give yourself ample amount of time.

1. Preparation

• Safely Secure the Vehicle: Park your Patrol on a level surface, engage the parking brake, and chock the rear wheels. Loosen the lug nuts on the front wheel of the side you're working on.
• Lift the Vehicle: Use a jack to lift the front of the vehicle and place jack stands securely under the frame rails. Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack.
• Remove the Wheel: Fully remove the wheel and set it aside.

2. Disassembly

• Remove the Brake Caliper: Unbolt the brake caliper and carefully remove it. Support it with a wire or bungee cord so it doesn't hang by the brake hose. Do not disconnect the brake hose unless necessary.
• Remove the Brake Rotor: Remove the brake rotor. It may be held in place by retaining screws or may simply slide off. If it's stuck, use a soft-faced hammer to gently tap it off.
• Remove the Hub Assembly: This is where things can get a bit tricky. The hub assembly is held in place by the hub nut and potentially some stubbornness. Remove the split pin from the hub nut and use a socket to loosen the nut. You may need a hub puller to remove the hub assembly from the axle shaft. Follow the instructions that came with your hub puller.
• Remove the Drive Flange/Free Wheeling Hub: Depending on your Patrol's setup, you'll either have a drive flange or free-wheeling hubs. Remove the bolts holding the drive flange or free-wheeling hub in place and remove the assembly.
• Remove the Axle Shaft: Carefully pull the axle shaft out of the housing. Be careful not to damage the seals inside the axle tube.
• Remove the Swivel Hub Assembly: Now you can access the swivel hub assembly. Remove the bolts holding it to the axle housing. There may be a few shims behind the swivel hub assembly, so keep track of their location and thickness. These shims are used to adjust the swivel hub bearing preload, so it's important to reinstall them correctly.
• Disassemble the Swivel Hub: With the swivel hub assembly removed, you can now disassemble it on a workbench. Remove the grease seal, bearings, and any other components. Pay close attention to the order of the parts and take pictures as you go. This will help you reassemble everything correctly.
• Clean and Inspect: Clean all the parts thoroughly with brake cleaner and a parts cleaning brush. Inspect the bearings for wear, damage, or corrosion. Check the swivel hub housing for cracks or damage. Replace any worn or damaged parts.

3. Reassembly

• Install New Bearings and Seals: Pack the new bearings with high-quality swivel hub grease. Install the new bearings and seals into the swivel hub housing. Use a seal driver to avoid damaging the seals.
• Reinstall the Swivel Hub Assembly: Reinstall the swivel hub assembly onto the axle housing. Make sure to reinstall the shims in their original locations. Tighten the bolts to the correct torque specifications.
• Reinstall the Axle Shaft: Carefully slide the axle shaft back into the housing. Make sure it's properly seated.
• Reinstall the Drive Flange/Free Wheeling Hub: Reinstall the drive flange or free-wheeling hub. Tighten the bolts to the correct torque specifications.
• Reinstall the Hub Assembly: Reinstall the hub assembly onto the axle shaft. Tighten the hub nut to the correct torque specifications and install a new split pin.
• Reinstall the Brake Rotor and Caliper: Reinstall the brake rotor and caliper. Tighten the bolts to the correct torque specifications.
• Reinstall the Wheel: Reinstall the wheel and tighten the lug nuts.

4. Final Steps

• Lower the Vehicle: Carefully lower the vehicle to the ground.
• Torque Lug Nuts: Torque the lug nuts to the correct specifications.
• Check Swivel Hub Bearing Preload: This is a critical step. Use a spring scale to measure the force required to turn the swivel hub. Adjust the shims as needed to achieve the correct preload. Refer to your Patrol's service manual for the correct preload specifications.
• Test Drive: Take your Patrol for a test drive and check for any unusual noises or vibrations. Pay attention to the steering and handling. If everything feels good, you're done!

Tips and Tricks for a Smooth Rebuild

• Take Pictures: As mentioned earlier, take plenty of pictures during disassembly. This will be invaluable when it comes time to reassemble everything.
• Label Everything: Label all the parts and bolts as you remove them. This will prevent confusion later on.
• Use Penetrating Oil: If you encounter any stubborn bolts, soak them with penetrating oil and let it sit for a while before attempting to remove them.
• Don't Over-Tighten: Over-tightening bolts can damage the threads or break the bolt. Use a torque wrench and tighten all bolts to the correct specifications.
• Grease Everything: Don't be shy with the grease. Pack the bearings thoroughly and apply grease to all moving parts.
• Refer to the Service Manual: Your Nissan Patrol's service manual is your best friend during this process. It contains detailed instructions, torque specifications, and other important information.

Conclusion

So there you have it, guys! A comprehensive guide to rebuilding your Nissan Patrol's swivel hubs. It might seem daunting at first, but with the right tools, parts, and a little patience, you can definitely tackle this job yourself. Remember to take your time, follow the steps carefully, and don't hesitate to consult your service manual or seek help from a professional if you get stuck.

By rebuilding your swivel hubs, you'll not only improve your Patrol's handling and performance but also extend the life of your front axle components. Plus, you'll save yourself some money by doing it yourself. Now get out there and enjoy your Patrol!