stabilizer SUZUKI GRAND VITARA 2003 2.G Service Workshop Manual

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
0B-18 MAINTENANCE AND LUBRICATION
ITEM 6-8
Suspension System Inspection
Check suspension bolts and nuts for tightness and retighten them
as necessary.
Repair or replace defective parts, if any.
NOTE:
For details of check points, refer to tables of Tightening Torque
Specification in Section 3D and 3E.
Front
1) Check stabilizer bar for damage or deformation.
2) Check bushing for damage, wear or deterioration.
3) Inspect strut for damage, deformation, oil leakage and opera-
tion. If strut is found faulty, replace it as an assembly unit, be-
cause it can not be disassembled.
Refer to strut check Section 3D for operation check.
4) Inspect strut boot for damage or crack.
5) Inspect for cracks or deformation in spring seat.
6) Inspect for deterioration of bump stopper.
7) Inspect strut mount for wear, cracks or deformation.
8) Check ball joint stud dust seal (boot) for leaks, detachment,
tear or other damage. Check suspension arm bushing for dam-
age, wear or deterioration.
Rear
9) Check shock absorber for damage, deformation, oil leakage
and operation.
10) Check bushings for wear and damage.

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
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
3D
FRONT SUSPENSION 3D-1
GENERAL DESCRIPTION3D- 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
DIAGNOSIS3D- 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Diagnosis Table 3D- 3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Stabilizer Bar and Bushing Check 3D- 3. . . . . .
Strut Damper and / or Coil Spring Check 3D- 3. .
Suspension Arm / Knuckle Check 3D- 3. . . . . . . .
Suspension Control Arm Joint Check 3D- 4. . . .
Suspension Control Arm Bushing Check 3D- 4.
Wheel Disc, Nut & Bearing Check 3D- 4. . . . . .
ON-VEHICLE SERVICE3D- 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Stabilizer Bar / Bushings 3D- 5. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Strut Damper 3D- 6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Coil Spring 3D- 8. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Bump Stopper / Spring Rubber Seat 3D-11. . . . .
Wheel Hub (Included Wheel Bearing) 3D-12. . .
Knuckle / Wheel Spindle 3D-17. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Suspension Control Arm / Bushings 3D-21. . . . . .
TIGHTENING TORQUE
SPECIFICATIONS3D-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
REQUIRED SERVICE MATERIALS3D-24 . . . . . .
SPECIAL TOOLS3D-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SECTION 3D
FRONT SUSPENSION
CAUTION:

All front 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 replacement part of lesser quality or substitute design. Torque values must be used as specified
during reassembly to assure proper retention of this part.

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

YH4
GRAND
VITARA
FRONT SUSPENSION 3D-3
DIAGNOSIS
DIAGNOSIS TABLE
Refer to Section 3.
STABILIZER BAR AND BUSHING CHECK
BAR
Inspect for damage or deformation. If defective, replace.
BUSHING
Inspect for damage, wear or deterioration. If defective, replace.
STRUT DAMPER AND / OR COIL SPRING
CHECK
1) Inspect strut for oil leakage. If strut is found faulty, replace it as
an assembly unit, because it can not be disassembled.
2) Strut function check
Check and adjust tire pressures as specified.
Bounce body three or four times continuously by pushing front
end on the side with strut to be checked. Apply the same amount
of force at each push and note strut resistance both when
pushed and rebounding.
Also, note how many times vehicle body rebounds before com-
ing to stop after hands are off. Do the same for strut on the other
side.
Compare strut resistance and number of rebound on the right
with those on the left.
And they must be equal in both. With proper strut, body should
come to stop the moment hands are off or after only one or two
small rebounds. If struts are suspected, compare them with
known good vehicle or strut.
3) Inspect for damage or deformation.
4) Inspect strut boot for damage or crack.
5) Inspect for cracks or deformation in spring seat.
6) Inspect for deterioration of bump stopper.
7) Inspect strut mount for wear, cracks or deformation.
Replace any parts found defective in steps 2) ± 7).
SUSPENSION ARM / KNUCKLE CHECK
Inspect for cracks, deformation or damage.

YH4
GRAND
VITARA
FRONT SUSPENSION 3D-5
1. Suspension control arm
2. Stabilizer bar
3. Stabilizer ball joint
4. Ball joint bushings
5. Ball joint washers
6. Ball joint nuts
7. Bracket bolts
1. Painted
2. Mount bush bracket
3. Mount bush
ON-VEHICLE SERVICE
STABILIZER BAR / BUSHINGS
REMOVAL
1) Hoist vehicle.
2) Remove stabilizer bar mount bush bracket bolts.
3) Remove stabilizer ball joint nuts, washers and bushings.
4) Remove stabilizer bar with its ball joints.
5) Disconnect stabilizer ball joints from stabilizer bar.
INSTALLATION
NOTE:
For correct installation of stabilizer bar, side-to-side, be sure
that color paint on stabilizer bar aligns with mount bush, both
right and left, as shown.
1) Connect stabilizer ball joints and stabilizer bar.
2) Install stabilizer ball joints to control arms.
NOTE:
Do not tighten stabilizer ball joint nuts completely.
3) Install stabilizer bar mount bush brackets.
4) When installing stabilizer, loosely assemble all components
while insuring that stabilizer is centered, side-to-side.
Check that ball joint is set at neutral position seeing from body
upper side.
5) Tighten stabilizer bracket bolts and stabilizer ball joint nuts to
specified torque.
Tightening Torque
(a): 29 N
.m (2.9 kg-m, 21.0 lb-ft)
(b): 50 N
.m (5.0 kg-m, 36.5 lb-ft)
(c): 23 N
.m (2.3 kg-m, 17.0 lb-ft)

YH4
GRAND
VITARA
FRONT SUSPENSION 3D-9
1. Coil spring
8) Remove stabilizer bar, refer to steps 2) to 5) of item STABILIZ-
ER BAR / BUSHINGS REMOVAL in this section.
9) Disconnect tie rod end from knuckle by using puller.
10) Support lower arm, using jack as shown.
11) Remove strut bracket bolts.
12) Remove ball stud castle nut.
13) Using puller, disconnect knuckle from ball stud.
14) Remove knuckle and wheel hub comp, while lowering jack.
15) Remove coil spring.