Mitsubishi Forum - Mitsubishi Enthusiast Forums - How to Install "Free Spinning" Front Wheel Hubs on Montero

I just installed the Aisin front hubs, and thought a "How To" might help someone else when installing these. The purpose is simply to stop the CV axles from spinning all the time. Thus, when this hub is set to "Free" position, the front CV joints and axles will not spin, and will reduce wear/tear on the seals, CV Joints, and CV Boots. The only downside is that you must get out of your vehicle and turn the hub dial to "Lock" in order for the 4x4 to work.

Here is a pic of the new front hubs installed. These Aisin hubs seem to be pretty good quality.....the chrome plating on the outside is great, the grey paint on the outside surface appears durable, and the 6 outer hub bolts are good quality (appear to be a type of stainless steel). The price is insanely low......a set of hubs is only about $65. (The messy red paint on the lettering is my sloppy work):

It is also a good time to remove the inner and outer bearings and clean and repack them (which is alot more work, no doubt). However, I had just done this recently, so the bearings were fine.

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/mitsubi...23225ce3dc.jpg

Installing:

Be sure not to "experiment" and try rotating the new Aisin hub dials until AFTER they are installed. I have heard from someone that this might mess-up the install process. (If this happens, and they do not work properly, there is a Youtube video showing how to disassemble and re-assemble the inner workings of these hubs in detail).

You do not need to remove the front tires, but I found that it gives me more work space and is a bit easier to install with the tires off:

Old hub:
Pry off the little "hub cap".....can easily use a screwdriver to pry off one of the 6 14mm bolts, and work around the cap until it comes off.

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/mitsubi...03b079d4d4.jpg

You will see the "C" clip and a thin flat washer which needs to be removed. I found that C-clip pliers to work, even though there are no holes in the C-clip, but kinda hold the C-clip so as to catch it if it should "pop" out from the pliers. Could probably also remove it with just a small screwdriver.

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/mitsubi...6f95b4dd84.jpg

Then I screwed on 2 wheel nuts and used used a prybar to hold the hub as I loosened the six 14mm bolts:

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/mitsubi...71a5f2a98a.jpg

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/mitsubi...668eb4d432.jpg

Due to the blue RTV that I had used in the past, I had to tap a bit in order to get this old hub top off.

Remove the six 10mm bolts on the new Aisin hub: All of the bolts on mine were only finger tight, so they came off easy. (I used a red marker and made a small line where the two halves come apart, so I ensured putting them back the same way. Not sure if this is necessary, but it went back together with ease by alligning the red marks).

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/mitsubi...41bb4fdc98.jpg

The Mfg. did have some grease included on the inner hub workings, so you can spread that around, and its a good idea to add a bit more and cover all the surfaces on both sides of the new hub. Instead of using RTV to seal this new hub to the existing hub on the vehicle, I just used a thick grease. The next time I have them off I will probably put a skim of RTV on to keep it water tight. Also, go ahead and torque the six 14mm bolts now, as you cannot get a socket on them after the new outer hub half is installed.

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/mitsubi...ee0db47b0d.jpg

Installing the flat washer and C-Clip: (Screwdriver just used to hold parts for picture. I again used the c-clip pliers as I pushed on the c-clip).

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/mitsubi...018ce1e130.jpg

C-clip and washer installed:

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/mitsubi...c881c2a6bb.jpg

Grease on the small gasket and all over the top half of the new hub:

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/mitsubi...cd9fcbb5ab.jpg

Ready to put it back together: (I made sure my red marker lines were lined up when putting the outer portion on with the inner portion). The six 14mm bolts are torqued now, as you cannot get a socket on them after the other hub half is installed.

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/mitsubi...1e9346af2f.jpg

Outer hub installed. Be sure not to over-tighten the small 10mm bolts as the threads could strip if you do so. I just applied enough torque to flatten out the lock washers and a wee bit more.

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/mitsubi...36955056dc.jpg

Now rotate the wheel and you should see that the CV axle does not spin. Then rotate the dial to "Lock" and spin the wheel......now the CV axle will spin.

Hope this helps others who want to install these......especially since the come with no instructions.