YH4
GRAND
VITARA
3-4 STEERING, SUSPENSION, WHEELS AND TIRES
ConditionPossible CauseCorrection
Wander or Poor
Steering StabilityMismatched or uneven tires.
Loose ball joints and tie rod
ends.
Faulty shock absorbers / struts or
mounting.
Loose stabilizer bar.
Broken or sagging springs.
Rack and pinion not properly adjusted.
(if equipped with manual steering
gear case)
Disturbed front end alignment.Replace tire or inflate tires to
proper pressure.
Replace suspension control arm or
tie rod end.
Replace absorber / strut or repair
mounting.
Tighten or replace stabilizer bar or
bushes.
Replace spring.
Check or adjust rack and pinion
torque.
Check and adjust front end alignment.
Erratic Steering when
BrakingWorn wheel bearings.
Broken or sagging springs.
Leaking wheel cylinder or caliper.
Warped discs.
Badly worn brake linings.
Drum is out of round in some brakes.
Wheel tires are inflated unequally.
Defective wheel cylinders.
Disturbed front end alignment.Replace wheel bearing.
Replace spring.
Repair or replace wheel cylinder or
caliper.
Replace brake disc.
Replace brake shoe lining.
Replace brake drum.
Inflate tires to proper pressure.
Replace or repair wheel cylinder.
Check front end alignment.
Low or Uneven Trim
Height
Right-to-left trim height
(H) difference should be
within 15 mm (0.6 in.)
with curb weight.
*Same with rear side.Broken or sagging springs.
Overloaded.
Incorrect springs.Replace spring.
Check loading.
Replace spring.
Ride Too SoftFaulty shock absorber or struts.Replace shock absorber or strut.
Suspension BottomsOverloaded.
Faulty shocks or struts.
Incorrect broken or sagging springs.Check loading.
Replace shock absorber or strut.
Replace spring.
YH4
GRAND
VITARA
3A
Alignment service data (without load)
Toe-in (Toe-in gauge measurement)
ªBº ± ªAº: 0 2 mm (0 0.08 in.)
Camber angle ªCº: 0' 1
Caster: 240' 1
*1. Forward
*2. Body center[A] : Top view
[B] : Front view
1. Center line of wheel
FRONT END ALIGNMENT 3A-1
SECTION 3A
FRONT END ALIGNMENT
CONTENTS
DIAGNOSIS3-1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
GENERAL INFORMATION3A-1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Toe-Setting3A-1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Camber3A-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Preliminary Checks Prior to Adjusting Front Alignment 3A-2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Toe Adjustment3A-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Camber and Caster Adjustment 3A-2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Steering Angle3A-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
GENERAL INFORMATION
Front alignment refers to the angular relationship between the front wheels, the front suspension attaching parts
and the ground. Generally, the only adjustment required for front alignment is toe setting.
Camber and caster can't be adjusted. Therefore, should camber or caster be out of specification due to the damage
caused by hazardous road conditions or collision, whether the damage is in body or in suspension should be deter-
mined. If the body is damaged, it should be repaired and if suspension is damaged, it should replaced.
TOE SETTING
Toe is the turning in or out of the front wheels. The purpose of a toe specification is to ensure parallel rolling of the
front wheels (Excessive toe-in or toe-out may increase tire wear).
Amount of toe can be obtained by subtracting ªAº front ªBº as shown in above figure and therefore is given in mm
(in.).
YH4
GRAND
VITARA
3A-2 FRONT END ALIGNMENT
CAMBER
Camber is the tilting of the front wheels from the vertical, as viewed from the front of the vehicle. When the wheels
tilt outward at the top, the camber is positive. When the wheels tilt inward at the top, the camber is negative. The
amount of tilt is measured in degrees.
PRELIMINARY CHECKS PRIOR TO ADJUSTING FRONT ALIGNMENT
Steering and vibration complaints are not always the result of improper alignment. An additional item to be checked
is the possibility of tire lead due to worn or improperly manufactured tires. ªLeadº is the deviation of the vehicle from
a straight path on a level road without hand pressure on the steering wheel.
Section 3 of this manual contains a procedure for determining the presence of a tire lead problem.
Before making any adjustment affecting toe setting, the following checks and inspections should be made to en-
sure correctness of alignment readings and alignment adjustments:
1) Check all tires for proper inflation pressures and approximately the same tread wear.
2) Check for loose ball joints. Check tie rod ends; if excessive looseness is noted, it must be corrected before ad-
justing.
3) Check for run-out of wheels and tires.
4) Check vehicle trim heights; if out of limits and a correction is to be made, it must be made before adjusting toe.
5) Check for loose control arms.
6) Check for loose or missing stabilizer bar attachments.
7) Consideration must be given to excess loads, such as tool boxes. If this excess load is normally carried in ve-
hicle, it should remain in vehicle during alignment checks.
8) Consider condition of equipment being used to check alignment and follow manufacturer's instructions.
9) Regardless of equipment used to check alignment, vehicle must be on a level surface both fore and aft and
transversely.
TOE ADJUSTMENT
Toe is adjusted by changing tie rod length. Loosen right and left tie
rod end lock nuts first and then rotate right and left tie rods by the
same amount to align toe-in to specification.
In this adjustment, right and left tie rods should become equal in
length.
After adjustment, tighten lock nuts to specified torque.
Tightening Torque
(a): 65 N
.m (6.5 kg-m, 47.0 lb-ft)
CAMBER AND CASTER ADJUSTMENT
Should camber or caster be found out of specifications upon in-
spection, locate its cause first. If it is in damaged, loose, bent,
dented or worn suspension parts, they should be replaced. If it is
in body, repair it so as to attain specifications.
To prevent possible incorrect reading of camber or caster, vehicle
front end must be moved up and down a few times before inspec-
tion.
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
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.
YH4
GRAND
VITARA
POWER STEERING (P / S) SYSTEM 3B1-7
STEERING WHEEL
STEERING WHEEL PLAY CHECK
Check steering wheel for looseness or rattle by trying to move it in
its shaft direction and lateral direction.
If found defective, repair or replace.
Check steering wheel for play, holding car in straight forward condi-
tion on the ground and with engine stopped.
Steering wheel play ªaº: 0 ± 30 mm (0 ± 1.2 in.)
If steering wheel play is not within specification, inspect as follows
and replace if found defective.
Tie-rod end ball stud for wear
Lower ball joint for wear
Steering shaft joint for wear
Steering pinion or rack gear for wear or breakage
Each part for looseness
STEERING FORCE CHECK
1) Place vehicle on level road and set steering wheel at straight-
ahead position.
2) Check that tire inflation pressure is as specified. (Refer to tire
placard.)
3) Start engine and keep it running till power steering fluid is
warmed to 50 to 60C (122 to 140F).
4) With engine idling, measure steering force by pulling spring ba-
lancer hooked on steering wheel in tangential direction.
Steering force: Less than 50 N (5.0 kg, 11.0 lb)
POWER STEERING FLUID
POWER STEERING FLUID LEVEL CHECK
With engine stopped, check fluid level indicated on P / S fluid reser-
voir, which should be between ªMAXº and ªMINº marks. If it is lower
than ªMINº mark, fill fluid up to ªMAXº mark.
NOTE:
Be sure to use an specified power steering fluid.
Fluid level should be checked when fluid is cool.
YH4
GRAND
VITARA
1. P / S fluid reservoir
2. Attachment
3. Gasket4. Union bolt
5. High pressure side
6. Low pressure side
1. P / S fluid reservoir
2. Gauge valve (open)
3. P / S pump4. P / S gear box
5. High pressure side
6. Low pressure side
3B1-10 POWER STEERING (P / S) SYSTEM
HYDRAULIC PRESSURE IN P / S CIRCUIT
HYDRAULIC PRESSURE CHECK
1) After cleaning joint of high pressure hose and P / S pump thor-
oughly, disconnect hose from pump and install special tool (oil
pressure gauge, attachment and hose).
Tighten each flare nut to specified torque.
CAUTION:
Take care not to cause damage to A / C condenser during
service operation, if equipped.
Special Tool
(A): 09915-77410 (Oil pressure gauge)
(B): 09915-77420
2) Check each connection for fluid leakage and bleed air.
Refer to ªAIR BLEEDING PROCEDUREº in this section.
3) With engine idling, turn steering wheel and warm up engine till
temperature of fluid in P/S fluid reservoir rises to 50 ± 60C (122
± 140F).
4) Check back pressure by measuring hydraulic pressure with en-
gine idling and hands off steering wheel.
Back pressure: Lower than 1000 kPa (10 kg / cm
2, 142 psi)
When back pressure is higher than specified values, check con-
trol valve and piping for clogging.