When to do wheel bearings in GU Patrol

My first response would be to say that you should ask the guys at Robsons, they know their stuff. Maybe if you're hubby knows his stuff, then check them himself, make sure they aren't dry, and do it when you get back.

Even if he does do it now, it's no real biggy to do them again when you get back. Good insurance that everything is honky dory, and the car will go on trouble free, off into the sunset. te he

My mechanic does the big service every 40,000 klm for about $660.00. Thats a lot less than the $1000.00 Nissan wants.

40000 service should include repacking hubs at least i think.
my mechanic does this service for approx $580, including all oils and parts,(nissan want over $1100).
wouldn't want the hubs to pack up on a long trip, worth doing before trip.
tappets would be noisy if they needed doing?
i am in perth and can recommend my mechanic if neccesary.does it by the book.
have heard that robson bros can be expensive.

Hi Melissa, just comlpleted on of these services myself. Robson's wanted around $77 from memory to do the tappets which is real good. I ended up having to go to a local mechanic ($105), because my lift home fell through. May also require a rocker cover gasket which is around $35. WA Suspensions charged me $352 for front wheel bearings supplied and fitted with a wheel alignment too.

Here's my little list I keep in the vehicle which saves hassles with parts people on the road. (NB I've left out a few things like radiator hoses and brake pad numbers as I can't find the piece of paper I wrote them down on when fitted....bugger)

Engine: TB45E
Timing: 5' BTDC
Idle speed: 650RPM (no load)
Engine oil: Castrol Magnatech (7.6litres)
Oil filter: Ryco Z 547
Spark plugs: NGK BPR 5E-11 (3/4"), or Bosch Super 4 FR78X (six pack 5/8")
Ignition leads: Cyl #1: B45Ri Bosch Super
Cyl #2: B58Ri
Cyl #3: B72Ri
Cyl #4: B84Ri
Cyl #5: B94Ri
Cyl #6: B104Ri
(N.B. no HT lead req'd)
Distributor cap: Nissan (cap distributor) 22162-VB010 (OEM only)
Rotor button: Nissan (rotor head) 22157-VB010 (OEM only)
Fuel filter: Ryco Z 201
Air filter: N/A UniFilter
Alternator belts: 2 x 11A 1130 (NB use Dayco Top Cog ONLY, not Bosch!)
Power steering belt: 13A 1030
Air-conditioning belt: 13A 0925
Coolant: Tectaloy Gold concentrate + 2 x 5l demineralised H2O
Top hose: xxxxxxxxxxxxx?
Bottom hose: xxxxxxxxxxxx?
Heater hoses: xxxxxxxxxxxxx?
Gearbox: Castrol VMX-M 75W/85 (3.8 litres) (Repco)
Transfer case: Castrol TQ Dexron 3 (1.9 litres)
Front diff: Castrol EPX 80W/90 (5.4 litres)
Rear diff: Castrol LSX 85W/140 (2.1 litres) (Repco)
Grease: Valvoline Blue (6 points)
Brake fluid: Dot 3 or Dot 4
Clutch fluid: Dot 3 or Dot 4
Front brake pads: Bendix 4x4 compound
Rear: Standard
Main battery: Yuasa Overlander N70ZZLH
Aux battery: N46 (rubbish)
Fuses: large spade type
Tow hitch rating: 3,500kg
Spotlight relay: Bosch 4 pin
Vehicle clearance height: 2040mm or 6'8"
Average hwy km/l: 17.7l/100km's PULP
Safe hwy cruising range: 650km's

I know this makes me look like super-nerd, but I use my rig for work and have to treat it a bit 'formally' as part of the fleet if you know what I mean. Most of this stuff is readily available from Repco or Super Crap.

Things to specifically check carefully on the GU4500 are the fan blades for stress fractures where they join the hub (about $270-OEM only), the sway bar bolts and run a spanner over the exhaust joints. Fuel filters clog quickly as they are quite small so carry a couple with you. Check the rubber one-way drain plug has not come off the bottom of the aircleaner as it's very easy to dislodge when changing the air filter and it's hidden inside the front guard. Also keep an eye on the electrolyte levels in the main battery as it gets real hot where it is. If you've removed the back fold down seats, cover the bolt holes with gaffer tape as red dust gets in through them.

One other thing to check if you've had a suspension lift, is to make sure your rear brake proportioning valve (spring thing on top of back diff) is within spec when laden, as it may back off rear brake pressure slightly. (175mm to 178mm from memory but check)

Hope this helps and have fun on the GRR. Half your luck!

Dono

Melissa,

I'd be inclined to do them before you go. Nothing worse than being stranded and waiting days for repairs. Could ruin a good holiday. Wheel bearings should be repacked every 40,000km. BIL and a mate both have patrols and recently had 40k services and both needed 1 wheel bearing replaced (under warranty). BIL uses his extensively and my mate nowhere near as much. So if they have never been done...

Leroy