front wheel 4W lock

[bosi]

Looks like my front wheel lock that engages the wheel into drive is broken. When I shift into 4H it makes quite a noise. Does anyone have any advice on fixing this (besides going to certified Nissan service)? I'm surfing i-net and can't find any info, even the name of the part that engages the wheel.
Please don't yell if this is a wrong section, I'm a newbie here

[chubbybubba1]

Are you shifting on the fly or at a stop?

[bosi]

At a stop. Although they say you can shift below 30, I wouldn't do that, I have time. Just when I had my breaks done the guy told me that some sort of 3-peg clutch that engages the wheel has a peg broken.

[chubbybubba1]

So at a stop, the the transmission in nuetral? Engine running or not running?

[OffroadX]

Note that noise in an automatic locking hub nearly always indicates a problem in the opposite hub. It's pretty simple to replace one, but they're $80+ each from a dealer. All you need is a hex wrench and a snap ring tool.

[bosi]

Thanks, sounds simple enough.

[bosi]

Whow, so I called the dealer and he quoted me $250 CDN part and 1.5h labour - it ain't cheap up here in Canada. With taxes it would set me back over $400.-! Therefore I ordered Wran part from a local automotive shop, pair of hubs for $150.-. When I went to pick them up we realized that these are manual (inspite me telling the clerk several times that I am looking for the automatic locking hubs). Never min, I'll have to change them from the original automatic. I read somewhere here that manual hubs are actually considered an upgrade by enthusiasts. I am not sure about it. Is that true? Apparently they are more reliable and solid. I fear the moment when I take it apart and realize that I'll need some sort of special conversion kit or something like that....we'll see

[chubbybubba1]

If your going to go through the hassle of replacing hubs, go with a set of Warn manual hubs. The stock ones are junk. They do the job but the guts are junk. Part #29091 plus #29061(gaskets).

[Schludwiller]

The reason people consider the manuals an upgrade is that they don't disingauge when you slip back down a hill. Once they're locked, they're locked. Auto hubs are designed to disingauge when you roll back (part of the unlocking feature described on your sun-visor). Great when you don't want to get out of your truck in the mud and snow, bad when you're stuck on the side of a hill and have to get moving forward in 2wd to lock the hubs up again.

With manual hubs, always engage them before you need them. Keeps your boots clean. ;-)

[Schludwiller]

The reason people consider the manuals an upgrade is that they don't disingauge when you slip back down a hill. Once they're locked, they're locked. Auto hubs are designed to disingauge when you roll back (part of the unlocking feature described on your sun-visor). Great when you don't want to get out of your truck in the mud and snow, bad when you're stuck on the side of a hill and have to get moving forward in 2wd to lock the hubs up again.

With manual hubs, always engage them before you need them, but keep it in 2wd unless the situation warrants. Keeps your boots clean.