Outer Limits 4x4 Board

Hi guys.

We are looking at a Suzuki Vitara (91).

The owner says they have not had it off road for years, and that they are unable to turn the front locking hubs.

We are new to 4wd's, so do not know alot about this.

Is this possibly a major problem or can they just get stuck etc.?

Along with that, what other main things is there to look at with Vitaras?

Cheers.

Depending on the condition of the hub it can be an easy trail fix. You probably just need to pull it apart, give it a good clean and re-lube as it may have dirt/mud clogging the turning/locking mechanism. It is also possibly the front wheel bearings might not be in great condition if there has been muddy watter/dirt in the hubs. Its an easy fix though.

Some vitara 1.6 bottom ends have been known to crack. Look for all the usual signs that the engine has been cared for, clean oil, clean air filter, coolant not straight water in radiator, no obvious oil leaks, check for lateral play in front wheel bearings by grabbing top of front wheel and pushing and pulling it toward you, no vibrations when driving, if its manual the clutch should cycle smoothly and there should be no obvious noise differences between clutch in and clutch out while in neutral if there is the throwout bearing in the clutch might be on its way out which might be worth putting in a whole new clutch.

If you are unsure pay an independant inspection company to come check it out for you.

If its not as simple as pulling apart and cleaning/ lubing, what kind of rough costs would i be looking at to replace the hubs, and like you say possibly wheel bearings?

It is a 1 owner car which has been serviced regulary, but has a tad over 200,000k's and with the hub problem its a little off putting.

Appreciate the help mate.

I brought a 90 Vitara for my wife and had the same problem. You could turn them with pliers if you yanked on them only (I dont recomend forcing them, fix them first). The parts inside seize due to never being cleaned and greased. All I had to do was undo the allan keys pull the mechanism out and soak it in petrol and clean it. They are very simple and I didnt have to buy any new parts. 2 years on the vitara is still going strong.

To check the wheel bearing jack the wheel up and grab the top and bottom of the tyre with each hand, shake it, if you can feel play, a jerk back and forth the bearings need adjusting or replacing. Bering are about $60 a side from a bearing retailer such as universal bearings, dearer if you go to an auto parts shop.

Yep that's all you need to do. It is an easy fix. Give them a clean up and use some gasket goo to seal the hub switch back onto the hub when you bolt it back on to keep it sealing inside.

Wheel bearings vary in price, but usually around the $30-50 per corner. Bearing shops are usually cheaper than auto shops. You can also buy stuff like that off us. Best to call for pricing.

If the hubs are your only concern about the car then I'd go for it. 200k is low kms for a car that age.

Spoolin wrote:If its not as simple as pulling apart and cleaning/ lubing, what kind of rough costs would i be looking at to replace the hubs, and like you say possibly wheel bearings?

Hubs are about $30 - $60 per side from a pick-a-part (self serve) wrecker... note that any sierra or vitara front hub will fit.

I wouldn't be put off by a crooked hub.

Thanks for the help guys, i thought it may have been a bigger problem but not so worried now.

Ill see how i go