That Monroe ad is very irritating.

Anyway, reference this post on my mystery noise:

http://www.clubxterra.org/forums/showthread.php?t=12842

I think I've got a suspect: my right side auto-locking hub. So, now I want to know all about auto-hubs on Gen1s. When they go, what goes with them, how extensive can the damage be or is it just replacement of the hub? What are the signs that it's gone?

I noticed more sound coming from that side driving after shifting to 4HI from a stop. The same goes when reversing to disengage the autohubs. Instead of the usual soft metallic 'thunk' there's more of a 'ping-ping thunk' from that side.

And opinions needed: replace with another auto-hub (if indeed the case) or switch to a Warn manual locking hub. I'm a casual wheeler and this is my daily drive so I don't know what difference the Warns will make besides the inconvenience of getting out to turn the dials.

Thoughts?

That Monroe ad is very irritating.

Anyway, reference this post on my mystery noise:

http://www.clubxterra.org/forums/showthread.php?t=12842

I think I've got a suspect: my right side auto-locking hub. So, now I want to know all about auto-hubs on Gen1s. When they go, what goes with them, how extensive can the damage be or is it just replacement of the hub? What are the signs that it's gone?

I noticed more sound coming from that side driving after shifting to 4HI from a stop. The same goes when reversing to disengage the autohubs. Instead of the usual soft metallic 'thunk' there's more of a 'ping-ping thunk' from that side.

And opinions needed: replace with another auto-hub (if indeed the case) or switch to a Warn manual locking hub. I'm a casual wheeler and this is my daily drive so I don't know what difference the Warns will make besides the inconvenience of getting out to turn the dials.

Thoughts?

Advertisers are not supposed to use those type ads here but occasionally one will sneak in. I've already reported it so hopefully it will get removed asap.

For the 1st gen xterras, going with Warn manual hubs doesn't gain you all that much except for MAYBE durability. Unlike most vehicles with auto-locking hubs, the xterra actually disengages the axle instead of just the wheel.

Here's a kicker for you, the hub that is making all the noise is ACTUALLY your good hub. What you are hearing is the axle not completely disengaging because the bad hub won't let the other axle completely disengage. The good news is all you have to do to replace them is remove the 8 allen-head bolts, pop the bad one off and put a good one on. Simple as that.

And opinions needed: replace with another auto-hub (if indeed the case) or switch to a Warn manual locking hub. I'm a casual wheeler and this is my daily drive so I don't know what difference the Warns will make besides the inconvenience of getting out to turn the dials.

Thoughts?
Manual hubs engage and disengage without moving the truck. If you rock crawl autos will unlock for about a foot when you back up to reset your line, manuals stay locked.
From what I’ve heard an auto hub will fail before our CV, thus saving the more expensive and labor intensive part. I have wheeled with two different guys with Warn manual hubs who don’t like them because of the common bolt failure they have both experienced. They have since changed out the hardware to grade 8. The Warn manual hubs are taller therefore stick out further than the stock hubs making them more vulnerable when rock climbing when used with stock rims.

All things to consider before changing from stock auto to Warn manuals. From what you’ve said about your wheeling habits I’d stick with replacing the one bad auto hub.


I have a set of AEV manuals, OEM for a ’96 Hardbody, if you can find a set of them cheap, I like them best.

Not too bad on the wallet damage then. It'll be about $200 CDN after the exchange rate + shipping to get a new one. So, driver side noise means passenger side is the one that's pooched. I wouldn't have thought of that.

Another question: time bomb until replaced or no? I've wheeled several times since what I figure was the initial incident (the same time I broke a leaf). No problems on the road, just the noise when I turn. Safe to keep wheeling with it like this or do I risk damaging the final drive?

Finally got around to taking the hubs off. Suspect hub is indeed screwed: the inner ring is off kilter. The other side is fine. I'll check with wreckers to see if I can get a new one, otherwise it's a $200 part online.

4x4 still engages and disengages though and after bashing the gimpy hub a few times I hear fewer pings when I turn.

I have two good auto hubs off my 2000 Xterra if you are interested.
They didn't go bad at all in fact they were only engaged maybe 6 times in the snow over the years. I was just bored and put the warn manual hubs on a few months back.

Make me an offer for both of them. You'll have a spare and replaced hub for much less than the cost of a single new hub.

was the sound you heard sort of a clicking noise?

if hes not interested in those hubs i might be

was the sound you heard sort of a clicking noise?

if hes not interested in those hubs i might be

How does $125 for both hubs plus $15 for shipping sound? Both hubs are complete with all 12 allen bolts included. One of the hubs has a little corrosion where the auto-hub logo was. Hubs were removed at 70k miles.
These hubs have never been off road, my xterra has never been off road.
Let me know.

Still waiting on the wreckers. Dibs if grantypanties doesn't out dib me on the dibs.

One question though: I see on the Nissan Courtesy Parts site that there's a difference between the Gen1 SE and XE hubs (price and number of internal parts.) I have an SE, so would putting an XE on be compatible or is it just a difference in design from one trim to the next?

was the sound you heard sort of a clicking noise?



Yeah, a clicking noise on turns. Taken me months to track it down because I thought it was something in the steering/drivetrain/engine/etc and exhausted my options. Then the lightbulb came on and I figured it was the hubs. Confirmed now.

Still waiting on the wreckers. Dibs if grantypanties doesn't out dib me on the dibs.

One question though: I see on the Nissan Courtesy Parts site that there's a difference between the Gen1 SE and XE hubs (price and number of internal parts.) I have an SE, so would putting an XE on be compatible or is it just a difference in design from one trim to the next?

These are gen1 se hubs, how about 120 for both, shipping included

If I hear nothing back from the shop by Friday night it's a deal. I'll PM you for details then.

Just found I've got a blown hub, anyone with a couple auto lockers?

I have a set of trail spairs, auto locking hubs $50.00 plus shipping and they are yours. send me a PM if you are interested.