2003 SUZUKI GRAND VITARA rear axle

YH4
GRAND
VITARA
1. Front differential housing
2. Rear axle
housing
When using floor jack:
Front
Rear
1. Safety stands
0A-20 GENERAL INFORMATION
In raising front or rear vehicle end off the floor by jacking, be sure
to put the jack against the center portion of the front suspension
frame or rear axle housing.
WARNING:

Never apply jack against suspension parts (i.e., stabilizer,
etc.) or vehicle floor, or it may get deformed.

If the vehicle to be jacked up only at the front or rear end,
be sure to block the wheels on ground in order to ensure
safety.
After the vehicle is jacked up, be sure to support it on
stands. It is extremely dangerous to do any work on the
vehicle raised on jack alone.
To perform service with either front or rear vehicle end jacked up,
be sure to place safety stands under chassis frame so that body is
securely supported. And then check to ensure that chassis frame
does not slide on safety stands and the vehicle is held stable for
safety's sake.

YH4
GRAND
VITARA
MAINTENANCE AND LUBRICATION 0B-19
11) Check coil spring, upper rod, lower rod and lateral rod for de-
formation and damage.
12) Check upper rod, lower rod and lateral rod bushings and bump
stopper for wear, damage and deterioration.
13) Check other suspension parts for damage, loose or missing
parts; also for parts showing signs of wear or lack of lubrication.
Replace any parts found defective in steps 1) to 13).
ITEM 6-9
Propeller Shafts and Drive Shafts Inspection
1) Check universal joint and spline of propeller shaft for rattle. If
rattle is found, replace defective part with a new one.
2) Check propeller shaft (front & rear) flange yoke bolts for tight-
ness, and retighten them as necessary.
Refer to Section 4B for tightening torque.
3) Check drive axle boots (wheel side and differential side) for
leaks, detachment, tear or other damage.
Replace boot as necessary.

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
3E
REAR SUSPENSION 3E-1
GENERAL DESCRIPTION3E- 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
DIAGNOSIS3E- 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Diagnosis Table 3E- 3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Shock Absorber Check 3E- 3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lower / Upper / Lateral Rod Check 3E- 3. . . . . . . .
Axle Housing and Coil Spring Check 3E- 3. . . .
Bearing Retainer & Axle Shaft Inner Oil
Seal Check 3E- 4. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheel Disc, Nut & Bearing Check 3E- 4. . . . . .
ON-VEHICLE SERVICE3E- 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Shock Absorber 3E- 5. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Coil Spring 3E- 6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lower Rod 3E- 8. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Upper Rod 3E- 9. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lateral Rod 3E-10. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear Axle Shaft and Wheel Bearing 3E-10. . . . .
Rear Axle Shaft Inner Oil Seal 3E-15. . . . . . . . . .
Rear Axle Housing 3E-16. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
TIGHTENING TORQUE
SPECIFICATIONS3E-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
REQUIRED SERVICE MATERIALS3E-23 . . . . . .
SPECIAL TOOLS3E-24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SECTION 3E
REAR SUSPENSION
NOTE:

All suspension fasteners are an important attaching part in that it 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 this part.

Never attempt to heat, quench or straighten any suspension part. Replace it with a new part, or damage
to the part may result.
CONTENTS

YH4
GRAND
VITARA
1. Rear axle housing
2. Coil spring
3. Axle shaft
4. Shock absorber
5. Upper rod
6. Lower rod
7. Oil level plug
8. Wheel bearing retainer
9. Rear wheel bearing
10. Brake back plate
11. Oil drain plug
12. Lateral rod
NOTE:
When installing differential gear oil drain
plug, clean the thread portion of the plug and
then apply sealant (SUZUKI BOND No. 1215,
99000-31110) to the portion.
8
3E-2 REAR SUSPENSION
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Rear suspension is 5 link type of rigid axle which consists of coil springs, rear axle, shock absorbers, upper rods,
lower rods and lateral rod.
The lower rod and upper rod are connected with the axle and body by using bushes so that axle moves up and
down with bushes as their supporting points.
The shock absorber is installed between the body and axle to absorb up-and-down movement of the vehicle body.

YH4
GRAND
VITARA
ªAº: Drill hole with approximately
3 mm (0.12 in.) diameter.
REAR SUSPENSION 3E-3
DIAGNOSIS
DIAGNOSIS TABLE
Refer to SECTION 3.
SHOCK ABSORBER CHECK

Inspect for deformation or damage.

Inspect bushings for wear or damage.

Inspect for evidence of oil leakage.
Replace any defective part.
WARNING:
When handling rear shock absorber in which high-pressure
gas is sealed, make sure to observe the following precau-
tions.
1) Don't disassemble it.
2) Don't put it into the fire.
3) Don't store it where it gets hot.
4) Before disposing it, be sure to drill a hole in it where
shown by an arrow in the figure and let gas and oil out.
Lay it down sideways for this work.
5) The gas itself is harmless but it may issue out of the hole
together with chips generated by the drill. Therefore, be
sure to wear goggle.
LOWER ROD, UPPER ROD, LATERAL ROD
CHECK
Inspect for cracks, deformation or damage.
Replace any defective part.
Inspect each bush for wear and breakage. If found defective, re-
place.
AXLE HOUSING AND COIL SPRING CHECK
Inspect for cracks, deformation or damage.
Inspect for evidence of oil leakage at axle housing.
If any, replace defective part.

YH4
GRAND
VITARA
3E-4 REAR SUSPENSION
REAR SUSPENSION FASTENERS
Check each bolt and nut fastening suspension parts for tightness.
Tighten loose one, if any, to specified torque, referring to ªTIGHT-
ENING TORQUE SPECIFICATIONSº of this section.
BEARING RETAINER AND AXLE SHAFT
INNER OIL SEAL CHECK

When brake drum has been removed, check inside of brake drum
for gear oil leakage.

Also, check backside of brake back plate for oil leakage.
If oil leakage is found, replace defective oil seal.

Whenever it is possible to check oil seal during disassembly,
check its lip for wear.
If oil leakage or worn lip is found, replace defective oil seal.
WHEEL DISC, NUT & BEARING CHECK

Inspect each wheel disc for dents, distortion and cracks. A disc
in badly damaged condition must be replaced.

Check wheel hub nuts for tightness and retighten to specification
as necessary.
Tightening Torque
(a): 100 N
.m (10.0 kg-m, 72.5 lb-ft)

Check wheel bearings for wear. When measuring thrust play, ap-
ply a dial gauge to axle shaft center after removing wheel center
cap from wheel.
Thrust play limit
Rear0.8 mm (0.03 in.)
When measurement exceeds limit, replace bearing.

By rotating wheel actually, check wheel bearing for noise and
smooth rotation. If it is defective, replace bearing.

YH4
GRAND
VITARA
1. Rear axle housing
2. Floor jack
1. Lock nut (if equipped)
2. Absorber nut
3. Upper support
4. Rubber bush
5. Lower support
6. Shock absorber
7. Bolt
Upper side
Lower side
1. Lock nut (if equipped)
2. Absorber nut
3. Body outside
REAR SUSPENSION 3E-5
ON-VEHICLE SERVICE
SHOCK ABSORBER
The shock absorber is non-adjustable, non-refillable, and cannot
be disassembled. The only service the shock absorber requires is
replacement when it has lost its resistance, is damaged, or leaking
fluid.
REMOVAL
1) Hoist vehicle and remove rear wheel.
2) Support rear axle housing by using floor jack to prevent it from
lowering.
3) Remove lock nut (if equipped) and absorber nut.
4) Remove lower mounting bolt.
5) Remove shock absorber.
INSTALLATION
1) Install shock absorber. Refer to figure for proper installing direc-
tion of lower mounting bolt.
2) Remove floor jack.
3) Lower hoist.
4) Tighten nuts to specified torque.
NOTE:

Tighten lower nut with vehicle off hoist and in non-loaded
condition.
Tightening Torque
(a): 29 N
.m (2.9 kg-m, 21.0 lb-ft)
(b): 85 N
.m (8.5 kg-m. 61.5 lb-ft)