YH4
GRAND
VITARA
3
STEERING, SUSPENSION, WHEELS AND TIRES 3-1
GENERAL DIAGNOSIS3-1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Diagnosis Table 3-1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
TIRE DIAGNOSIS3-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Irregular and / or Premature Wear 3-6. . . . . . .
Wear Indicator 3-6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Radial Tire Waddle 3-6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Radial Tire Lead 3-8. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
VIBRATION DIAGNOSIS3-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SECTION 3
STEERING, SUSPENSION, WHEELS AND TIRES
DIAGNOSIS3-1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
FRONT END ALIGNMENT3A-1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
POWER STEERING SYSTEM3B1-1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
AIR BAG STEERING WHEEL AND COLUMN3C1-1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
FRONT SUSPENSION3D-1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
REAR SUSPENSION3E-1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
WHEELS AND TIRES3F-1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
CONTENTS
GENERAL DIAGNOSIS
Since the problems in steering, suspension, wheels and tires involve several systems, they must all be considered
when diagnosing a complaint. To avoid using the wrong symptom, always road test the vehicle first.
Proceed with the following preliminary inspections and correct any defects which are found.
1) Inspect tires for proper pressure and uneven wear.
2) Raise vehicle on a hoist and inspect front and rear suspension and steering system for loose or damaged parts.
3) Spin front wheel. Inspect for out-of-round tires, out-of-balance tires, bent rims, loose and / or rough wheel bear-
ings.
DIAGNOSIS TABLE
ConditionPossible CauseCorrection
Vehicle Pulls (Leads)Mismatched or uneven tires.
Tires not adequately inflated.
Broken or sagging springs.
Radial tire lateral force.
Disturbed front end alignment.
Disturbed rear axle alignment.
Brake dragging in one road wheel.
Loose, bent or broken front or rear
suspension parts.Replace tire.
Adjust tire pressure.
Replace spring.
Replace tire.
Check front end alignment.
Check rear axle alignment.
Repair front brake.
Tighten or replace suspension part.
YH4
GRAND
VITARA
3-2 STEERING, SUSPENSION, WHEELS AND TIRES
ConditionPossible CauseCorrection
Abnormal or
Excessive Tire WearSagging or broken springs.
Tire out of balance.
Disturbed front end alignment.
Faulty shock absorber.
Hard driving.
Overloaded vehicle.
Tires not rotating.
Worn or loose road wheel bearings.
Wobbly wheel or tires.
Tires not adequately inflated.Replace spring.
Adjust balance or replace tire.
Check front end alignment.
Replace shock absorber.
Replace tire.
Replace tire.
Replace or rotate tire.
Replace wheel bearing.
Replace wheel or tire.
Adjust the pressure.
Wheel TrampBlister or bump on tire.
Improper shock absorber action.Replace tire.
Replace shock absorber.
Shimmy, Shake or
VibrationTire or wheel out of balance.
Loose wheel bearings.
Worn tie rod ends.
Worn lower ball joints.
Excessive wheel runout.
Blister or bump on tire.
Excessively loaded radial runout of
tire / wheel assembly.
Disturbed front end alignment.
Loose or worn tie-rod end.
Loose steering gear case bolts.Balance wheels or replace tire and /
or wheel.
Replace wheel bearing.
Replace tie rod end.
Replace front suspension control
arm.
Repair or replace wheel and / or tire.
Replace tire.
Replace tire or wheel.
Check front end alignment.
Tighten or replace tie-rod end.
Tighten case bolts.
Hard SteeringBind in tie rod end ball studs or
lower ball joints.
Disturbed front end alignment.
Rack and pinion not properly adjusted.
(if equipped with manual steering gear
case)
Tire not adequately inflated.
Bind in steering column.
Low fluid level, loose drive belt or
malfunction of power steering system.
(if equipped with P / S)Replace tie rod end or front
suspension control arm.
Check front end alignment.
Check and adjust steering gear box.
Inflate tires to proper pressure.
Repair or replace.
Check and correct.
YH4
GRAND
VITARA
3B1
POWER STEERING (P / S) SYSTEM 3B1-1
GENERAL DESCRIPTION3B1- 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power Steering System 3B1- 2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Steering Gear Box 3B1- 3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power Steering (P / S) Pump 3B1- 4. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
DIAGNOSIS3B1- 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
General Diagnosis Table 3B1- 5. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Steering Wheel 3B1- 7. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Steering Wheel Play Check 3B1- 7. . . . . . . . . . . .
Steering Force Check 3B1- 7. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power Steering Fluid 3B1- 7. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power Steering Fluid Level Check 3B1- 7. . . . . .
Power Steering Pump Drive Belt 3B1- 8. . . . . . . . .
Belt Tension Check 3B1- 8. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Belt Tension Adjustment 3B1- 8. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Idle Up System 3B1- 9. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Idle Up System Check 3B1- 9. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fluid 3B1- 9. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fluid Leakage Check 3B1- 9. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hydraulic Pressure in P / S Circuit 3B1-10. . . . . . . . .
Hydraulic Pressure Check 3B1-10. . . . . . . . . . . . .
Boot 3B1-11. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Steering Rack Boot Check 3B1-11. . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tie-Rod End Boot Check 3B1-12. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air Bleeding Procedure 3B1-12. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ON-VEHICLE SERVICE3B1-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tie-Rod End 3B1-13. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power Steering Gear Box Assembly 3B1-14. . . . . .
Rack Boot and Tie-Rod (Except Canvas
Top LH Model) 3B1-16. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rack Boot and Tie-Rod (For Canvas
Top LH Model) 3B1-17. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power Steering Pump 3B1-19. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
TIGHTENING TORQUE SPECIFICATION3B1-26 . . .
REQUIRED SERVICE MATERIAL3B1-26 . . . . . . . .
SPECIAL TOOL3B1-26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SECTION 3B1
POWER STEERING (P/S) SYSTEM
WARNING:
For vehicles equipped with Supplemental Restraint (Air Bag) System:
Service on and around the air bag system components or wiring must be performed only by an autho-
rized SUZUKI dealer. Refer to ªAir Bag System Components and Wiring Location Viewº under ªGener-
al Descriptionº in air bag system section in order to confirm whether you are performing service on
or near the air bag system components or wiring. Please observe all WARNINGS and ªService Precau-
tionsº under ªOn-Vehicle Serviceº in air bag system section before performing service on or around
the air bag system components or wiring. Failure to follow WARNINGS could result in unintentional
activation of the system or could render the system inoperative. Either of these two conditions may
result in severe injury.
Technical service work must be started at least 90 seconds after the ignition switch is turned to the
ªLOCKº position and the negative cable is disconnected from the battery. Otherwise, the system may
be activated by reserve energy in the Sensing and Diagnostic Module (SDM).
NOTE:
Some parts in the Power Steering Gear Box cannot be disassembled or adjusted. For detailed informa-
tion, refer to the description of ªPOWER STEERING GEAR BOX ASSEMBLYº.
All steering gear fasteners are important attaching parts in that they could affect the performance of vital
parts and systems, and / or could result in major repair expense. They must be replaced with one of the
same part number or with an equivalent part if replacement becomes necessary. Do not use a replace-
ment part of lesser quality or substitute design. Torque values must be used as specified during reas-
sembly to assure proper retention of these parts.
Although the figures in this section show only the left-hand steering vehicle, the same work procedure
and data apply to the right-hand steering vehicle.
CONTENTS
YH4
GRAND
VITARA
1. Power steering gear box
2. Power steering pump
3. P / S fluid reservoir
1. Power steering pump
2. Valve section
3. P / S fluid reservoir
4. Rack
5. Pinion
6. Cylinder
3B1-2 POWER STEERING (P / S) SYSTEM
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
POWER STEERING SYSTEM
The power steering (P / S) system in this vehicle reduces the driver's effort needed in turning the steering wheel
by utilizing the hydraulic pressure generated by the power steering (P / S) pump which is driven by the engine.
It is an integral type with the rack and pinion gears and the control valve unit, hydraulic pressure cylinder unit all
built in the steering gear box.
YH4
GRAND
VITARA
1. Pin
2. Stub shaft (Rotor)
3. Torsion bar
4. Sleeve
5. Bearing
6. Pinion
7. Gear box
8. Rack
9. Ferrule
10. Valve case
POWER STEERING (P / S) SYSTEM 3B1-3
STEERING GEAR BOX
The steering gear box consists of two sections: one including a cyl-
inder and the other a valve. Main components of the cylinder sec-
tion are a gear box, a rack and a tube and those of the valve section
are a valve case, a sleeve and a stub shaft. The sleeve is linked with
the pinion through a pin and the valve and stub shaft are integrated
into one unit. Then the pinion and the stub shaft are linked to each
other by means of the torsion bar.
Thus, when the stub shaft moves, the valve changes its position,
thereby switching the hydraulic passage from the pump to the cylin-
der to help steering operation.
When turning the steering wheel feels heavy due to P / S fluid leak-
age or for some other reason (i.e., when in the manual steering
mode), the stub shaft and pinion are in direct linkage and the force
is output directly through the pinion and rack.
YH4
GRAND
VITARA
1. Suction connector
2. O-ring
3. Pressure switch
4. Flow control valve
(Relief valve)
5. Spring
6. Plug
7. Pump cover
8. Cam ring
9. Vane
10. Rotor
11. Snap ring
12. Side plate
13. Pulley (pump shaft)
14. Oil seal
15. Pump body
16. Flow control valve Assembly
3B1-4 POWER STEERING (P / S) SYSTEM
POWER STEERING (P / S) PUMP
The power steering pump is a vane type and is driven by the V-ribbed belt from the crankshaft.
ModelVane type
Hydraulic
pressure
controlRelieved
pressure
6500 kPa (65 kg / cm2, 924 psi)
G16 Type engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7000 kPa (70 kg / cm
2, 995 psi)
J20 Type engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7350 kPa (73.5 kg / cm
2, 1045 psi)
H25 Type engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ControlFlow control valve
deviceRelief valve
Power steering
pressure switch
Switch turns on (closes) when the
pressure is higher than 2500 ± 3500 kPa
(25 ± 35 kg / cm
2, 356 ± 498 psi).
ECM uses this signal for idle speed control.
Capacity0.70 ± 0.75
(1.48 / 1.23 ± 1.58 / 1.32 US / Imp. pt)
Specified fluidDEXRONII, DEXRONIII A / T fluid
or equivalent
FLOW CONTROL VALVE
As the discharge rate of the P/S pump increases in proportion to the
pump revolution speed, a flow control valve is added to control it so
that the optimum amount of fluid for steering operation is supplied
according to the engine speed (driving condition).
Described below is its operation at different engine speed.
YH4
GRAND
VITARA
POWER STEERING (P / S) SYSTEM 3B1-5
DIAGNOSIS
GENERAL DIAGNOSIS TABLE
ConditionPossible CauseCorrection
Steering wheel
feels heavy
(at low speed)Fluid deteriorated, low viscosity, different
type of fluid mixed
Pipes or hoses deformed, air entering
through joint
Insufficient air purging from P / S circuit
P / S belt worn, lacking in tension
Tire inflation pressure excessively low
Front end alignment out of order
Steering wheel installed improperly (twisted)
Bind in tie rod or tie rod end ball joint
P / S pump hydraulic pressure fails to increase
P / S pump hydraulic pressure increases
but slowly
Steering gear box malfunctionReplace fluid.
Replace defective part.
Purge air.
Adjust belt tension or replace
belt as necessary.
Inflate tire.
Check and adjust front end
alignment.
Install steering wheel correctly.
Replace defective part.
Check pressure and repair or
replace defective part.
Check pressure and repair or
replace defective part.
Replace gear box.
Steering wheel
feels heavy
momentarily when
turning it to the
left or rightAir drawn in due to insufficient amount
of fluid
Slipping P / S belt
P / S pump hydraulic pressure fails to
increase
P / S pump hydraulic pressure increases
but slowly
Steering gear box malfunctionAdd fluid and purge air.
Adjust belt tension or replace
belt as necessary.
Check pressure and repair or
replace defective part.
Check pressure and repair or
replace defective part.
Replace gear box.
Poor recovery
from turnsNOTE:
To check steering wheel for recovery, with vehicle running at 22 mile / h (35 km / h),
turn steering wheel 90 and let it free. It should return more than 60.
Deformed pipes or hoses
Steering column installed improperly
Front end alignment out of order
Ball joints binding
P / S pump hydraulic pressure fails to
increase
P / S pump hydraulic pressure increases
but slowly
Steering gear box malfunctionReplace defective part.
Install steering column correctly.
Check and adjust front end
alignment.
Replace defective part.
Check pressure and repair or
replace defective part.
Check pressure and repair or
replace defective part.
Replace gear box.
YH4
GRAND
VITARA
3B1-6 POWER STEERING (P / S) SYSTEM
ConditionPossible CauseCorrection
Vehicle pulls to
one side during
straight drivingMismatched or uneven tire
Low or uneven tire inflation pressure
Brake dragging in one wheel
Front end alignment out of order
Rear end alignment out of order
Malfunction of control valve in gear boxReplace tire.
Inflate tires to proper pressure or
adjust right & left tires inflation
pressure.
Repair.
Check and adjust front end
alignment.
Check and adjust rear end
alignment.
Replace gear box.
Steering wheel
play is large and
vehicle wandersRefer to ªDiagnosisº in Section 3.
Fluid leakageLoose joints of (hydraulic pressure)
pipes and hoses
Deformed or damaged pipes or hosesRetighten.
Replace defective part.
Abnormal noiseAir drawn in due to insufficient amount of fluid
Air mixed into fluid from pipes or hoses
Slipping (loose) P / S belt
Worn P / S belt
Loose gear box fastening bolt
Loose linkage or joints
Pipes or hoses in contact with part of
vehicle body
Vanes of P / S pump defective
Malfunction of control valve in gear box
Bearing of P / S pump shaft defectiveAdd fluid and purge air.
Replace pipes or hoses.
Adjust belt tension.
Replace belt.
Retighten bolts.
Retighten.
Install pipes and hoses correctly.
Replace defective part.
Replace gear box.
Replace bearing.
No idle upPower steering pressure switch defectiveReplace power steering
pressure switch.