TLDR: You can use Nissan Safari/Patrol GQ Manual locking hubs on Mahindra. It’s easy to swap.
Why?
After Changing Mahindra wheel bearings, brake rotors and brake pads and tie rod, we went off-roading to Red Rocks, and while going up the Devil’s Gate we heard a big bang and the 4WD wouldn’t work anymore.
I did some research and some tests, and because I had just changed bearings and reassemble everything, also I was hearing clicking noises when going backwards, I thought the issue was with the Automatic Locking Hubs. Also, I read in some forums that the Automatic Locking Hubs tend to fail on the Mahindra. I bought Manual Locking Hubs and replaced them.
I also like the simplicity of Manual locking hubs. They are either locked or unlocked, and they are unlikely to let you down. The con? You have to get out of the car and put then on to go off roading.
Testing auto locking hubs
- I jacked the front wheels up,
- car off, put in 4WD while
- keeping the gear neutral.
- I then moved each wheel backwards,
- the right one, did some clicky noises locked itself out, working as expected.
- While the left one didn’t do any noises and never locked itself up. (probably because the CV axle popped out, but I didn’t know that! 😬)
- Also, I noticed when going backwards, it would lock itself out and do some crazy noises
Mahindra parts
Well, turns out new automatic locking hubs from Mahindra NZ. Costs $1500 each. 😮
Alternative parts
Turns our a Safari GQ manual locking hub fits perfectly. Thanks to tips from Mahindra owners Club Australia on Facebook. Got a pair AVM450HP from 4wdbits and when they arrived, I swapped them out.
Swapping them out
I basically followed the instructions on the package. Swapping is easy, remove the old ones, install the new ones.
Tip time!
I used a big wrench with an Allen key to easily brake the hub screws.
The story doesn’t end here, turns out I don’t know what I am doing 😆 and my left CV popped out from the diff, so now I have to Fixing snapped CV Axle - Mahindra.
I kept my auto locking hubs as spare parts.