Adjust SUZUKI GRAND VITARA 2003 2.G Service Owner's Manual

YH4
GRAND
VITARA
STEERING, SUSPENSION, WHEELS AND TIRES 3-3
ConditionPossible CauseCorrection
Too Much Play in
Steering
Wheel bearings worn.

Loose steering gear case bolts.

Rack and pinion not properly adjusted.
(if equipped with manual steering gear
case)

Worn steering shaft joints.

Worn tie rod ends or tie rod
inside ball joints.

Worn lower ball joints.Replace wheel bearing.
Tighten.
Check and adjust rack and pinion
torque.
Replace joint.
Replace tie rod end or steering
gear case.
Replace front suspension control
arm.
Poor Returnability
Bind in tie rod end ball studs.

Bind in ball joints.

Bind in steering column.

Poorly lubricated rack and pinion.
(if equipped with manual steering gear
case)

Disturbed front end alignment.

Rack and pinion not properly adjusted.
(if equipped with manual steering gear
case)

Tires not adequately inflated.Replace tie rod end.
Replace ball joint.
Repair or replace.
Check, repair or lubricate rack and
pinion.
Check and adjust front end
alignment.
Check and adjust rack and pinion
torque.
Adjust pressure.
Steering Noise
(Rattle or Chuckle)
Loose bolts and nuts.

Broken or otherwise damaged wheel
bearings.

Worn or sticky tie rod ends.

Rack and pinion not properly adjusted.
(if equipped with manual steering gear
case)Retighten.
Replace.
Replace.
Check and adjust rack and pinion
torque.
Abnormal Noise,
Front End
Worn, sticky or loose tie rod
ends, lower ball joints, tie rod
inside ball joints or drive shaft
joints.

Damaged shock absorbers, struts
or mountings.

Worn control arm bushings.

Loose stabilizer bar.

Loose wheel nuts.

Loose suspension bolts or nuts.

Broken or otherwise damaged
wheel bearings.

Broken suspension springs.

Poorly lubricated or worn strut
bearings.Replace tie rod end, control arm,
steering gear case or drive shaft
joint.
Replace or repair.
Replace.
Tighten bolts or replace bushes.
Tighten wheel nuts.
Tighten suspension bolts or nuts.
Replace wheel bearing.
Replace spring.
Lubricate or replace strut bearing.

YH4
GRAND
VITARA
3-4 STEERING, SUSPENSION, WHEELS AND TIRES
ConditionPossible CauseCorrection
Wander or Poor
Steering Stability
Mismatched 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
Braking
Worn 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 Soft
Faulty shock absorber or struts.Replace shock absorber or strut.
Suspension Bottoms
Overloaded.

Faulty shocks or struts.

Incorrect broken or sagging springs.Check loading.
Replace shock absorber or strut.
Replace spring.

YH4
GRAND
VITARA
STEERING, SUSPENSION, WHEELS AND TIRES 3-5
ConditionPossible CauseCorrection
Body Leans or Sways
in Corners
Loose stabilizer bar.

Faulty shock absorbers, struts
or mounting.

Broken or sagging springs.

Overloaded.Tighten stabilizer bar bolts or
replace bushes.
Replace shock absorber, strut or
tighten mounting.
Replace spring.
Check loading.
Cupped Tires
Front struts defective.

Worn wheel bearings.

Excessive tire or wheel run-out.

Worn ball joints.

Tire out of balance.Replace strut.
Replace wheel bearing.
Replace tire or wheel disc.
Replace front suspension control
arm.
Adjust tire balance.

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: 2
40'
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
1. Turning radius gauge1
FRONT END ALIGNMENT 3A-3
STEERING ANGLE
When tie rod end was replaced, check toe and then also steering
angle with turning radius gauges.
If steering angle is not correct, check if right and left tie-rods are
equal in length (ªAº in left figure).
Steering angle
inside: 35

3

outside: 33

3

NOTE:
If tie rod lengths were changed to adjust steering angle, rein-
spect toe-in.
Reference Information:
Side slip:
For inspecting front wheel side slip with side slip tester:
Side slip limit: Less than 3 mm / m
(Less than 0.118 in. / 3 ft)
If side slip exceeds above limit, toe-in or front wheel alignment may
out not be 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
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 right
Air 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 driving
Mismatched 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 wanders
Refer to ªDiagnosisº in Section 3.
Fluid leakage
Loose joints of (hydraulic pressure)
pipes and hoses

Deformed or damaged pipes or hosesRetighten.
Replace defective part.
Abnormal noise
Air 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 up
Power steering pressure switch defectiveReplace power steering
pressure switch.