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
[A]
[B]
Hard Cornering
Under-Inflation
Lack of RotationIncorrect Wheel Alignment
Tire Construction Non-Uniformity
Wheel Heavy Acceleration [A] [B]
3-6 STEERING, SUSPENSION, WHEELS AND TIRES
TIRE DIAGNOSIS
IRREGULAR AND / OR PREMATURE WEAR
Irregular and premature wear has many possible causes. Some of
them are: incorrect inflation pressures, lack of tire rotation, driving
habits, improper alignment.
If the following conditions are noted, rotation is in order:
1. Front tire wear is different from rear.
2. Uneven wear exists across the tread of any tire.
3. Left front and right front tire wear is unequal.
4. Left rear and right rear tire wear is unequal.
5. There is cupping, flat spotting, etc.
A wheel alignment check is in order if the following conditions are
noted:
1. Left front and right front tire wear is unequal.
2. Wear is uneven across the tread of any front tire.
3. Front tire treads have scuffed appearance with ªfeatherº edges
on one side of tread ribs or blocks.
WEAR INDICATOR
The original equipment tires have built-in tread wear indicators to
show when tires need replacement. These indicators will appear as
12 mm (0.47 in.) wide bands when the tire tread depth becomes 1.6
mm (0.063 in.). When the indicators appear in 3 or more grooves
at 6 locations, tire replacement is recommended.
RADIAL TIRE WADDLE
Waddle is side to side movement at the front and / or rear of the ve-
hicle. It is caused by the steel belt not being straight within the tire.
It is most noticeable at low speed, 8 to 48 km / h (5 to 30 mph). It is
possible to road test a vehicle and tell on which end of the vehicle
the faulty tire is located. If the waddle tire is on the rear, the rear end
of the vehicle will shake from side to side or ªwaddleº. From the driv-
er's seat it feels as though someone is pushing on the side of the
vehicle. If the faulty tire is on the front, the waddle is more visual.
The front sheet metal appears to be moving back and forth and the
driver feels as though he is at the pivot point in the vehicle.
Waddle can be quickly diagnosed by using a Tire Problem Detector
(TPD) and following the equipment manufacturer's recommenda-
tions.
If a TPD is not available, the more time consuming method of sub-
stituting known good tire / wheel assemblies on the problem vehicle
can be used as follows:
YH4
GRAND
VITARA
3-8 STEERING, SUSPENSION, WHEELS AND TIRES
RADIAL TIRE LEAD
ªLeadº is the deviation of the vehicle from a straight path on a level
road with no pressure on the steering wheel.
Lead is usually caused by:
1) Incorrect alignment.
2) Uneven brake adjustment.
3) Tire construction.
The way in which a tire is built can produce lead in a vehicle. An ex-
ample of this is placement of the belt. Off center belts on radial tires
can cause the tire to develop a side force while rolling straight down
the road. If one side of the tire is a little larger diameter than the oth-
er, the tire will tend to roll to one side. This will develop a side force
which can produce vehicle lead.
The procedure on previous page should be used to make sure that
front alignment is not mistaken for tire lead.
1) Part of the lead diagnosis procedure is different from the tire
rotation pattern currently in the owner's and service manuals. If
a medium to high mileage tire is moved to the other side of the
vehicle, be sure to check that ride roughness has not developed.
2) Rear tires will not cause lead.
VIBRATION DIAGNOSIS
Wheel unbalance causes most of the highway speed vibration
problems. If a vibration remains after dynamic balancing, it can be
caused by three things.
1) Tire runout.
2) Wheel runout.
3) Tire stiffness variation.
Measuring tire and / or wheel free runout will uncover only part of the
problem. All three causes, known as loaded radial runout, must be
checked by using a Tire Problem Detector (TPD). If a TPD is not
available, the more time consuming method of substituting known
good tire and wheel assemblies on the problem vehicle can be
used.
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
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
3C
STEERING WHEEL AND COLUMN 3C-1
SECTION 3C
STEERING WHEEL AND COLUMN
(NOT EQUIPPED WITH AIR BAG)
NOTE:
All steering wheel and column fasteners are important 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 of substitute design. Torque values must be used as specified during reassemb-
ly to assure proper retention of this part.
CONTENTS
GENERAL DESCRIPTION3C- 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
DIAGNOSIS3C- 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inspection and repair required after accident 3C- 2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ON-VEHICLE SERVICE3C- 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Steering wheel3C- 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Combination switch3C- 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Steering column assembly3C- 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Steering lock assembly (ignition switch) 3C-10. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Steering lower shaft assembly3C-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking steering column for accident damage 3C-13. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Adjustable steering column release lever 3C-14. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
TIGHTENING TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS3C-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SPECIAL TOOL3C-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
This double tube type steering column has the following three important features in addition to the steering function:
The column is energy absorbing, designed to compress in a front-end collision.
The ignition switch and lock are mounted conveniently on this column.
With the column mounted lock, the ignition and steering operations can be locked to inhibit theft of the vehicle.
To insure the energy absorbing action, it is important that only the specified bolts be used as designated and that
they are tightened to the specified torque. When the column assembly is removed from the vehicle, special care
must be taken in handling it. Use of a steering wheel puller other than the one recommended in this manual or a
sharp blow on the end of the steering shaft, leaning on the assembly, or dropping the assembly could shear the
plastic shear pins which maintain column length and position.