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ZUKIWORLD Model Specific Suzuki Forum => Suzuki Grand Vitara, Vitara, Chevy Tracker (Gen. 2 Platform) 1999-2005 => Topic started by: CampinMan on July 09, 2008, 09:19:27 AM

Title: popping noise in front end
Post by: CampinMan on July 09, 2008, 09:19:27 AM
I have a 2005 grand vitara that when you are parked with the wheels turned and go to straiten the steering out it makes a popping noise. Anyone have any ideas what would cause this  ???
Title: Re: popping noise in front end
Post by: beercheck on July 09, 2008, 09:47:34 AM
You're still under warranty, aren't you?
Title: Re: popping noise in front end
Post by: CampinMan on July 09, 2008, 11:24:50 AM
I really don't know if it's under warranty or not because I bought the zuki as a rebuilder.
Title: Re: popping noise in front end
Post by: Gemini on July 09, 2008, 09:03:28 PM
No idea... sounds like something that should move isn't... get the bushings, etc.. all looked at for sure. Have you hit anything that might have bent a moving part?
Title: Re: popping noise in front end
Post by: CampinMan on July 10, 2008, 06:43:24 AM
I haven't hit anything my self but it very well could of happened when it was in it's originaly wrecked through a barbed wire fence. maybe it could of bent one of the steering arms?
Title: Re: popping noise in front end
Post by: IanL on July 11, 2008, 12:55:08 AM
Is it perhaps the tire tread scrubbing on the ground?
Title: Re: popping noise in front end
Post by: CampinMan on July 11, 2008, 06:52:53 AM
No it's not scrubbing the ground. It make the noise most of the time when you go to back out of the driveway and straighten the wheels before backing out. It make one or two pops and then is fine when driving.
Title: Re: popping noise in front end
Post by: beercheck on July 11, 2008, 07:04:37 AM
You may need to get someone underneath there as it occurs.
Title: Re: popping noise in front end
Post by: gravity_powered on July 11, 2008, 07:14:32 PM
When I had my lift kit fitted the shop left some of the nuts and bolts on the strut tops and the wishbones loose, which resulted in popping and clunking noises. Going over all the nuts and bolts could reveal the problem.

A dry and/or worn ball joint could also be causing the noise.
Title: Re: popping noise in front end
Post by: Gemini on July 12, 2008, 04:19:53 PM
I may be grasping at straws here... but this only comes to mind since I have recently installed larger tires on my GV. Are you by any chance running tires that are too big for the wheel wells, and so they're rubbing? Figured I'd throw that in there.. just in case it was possible. haha.

Hope you get things figured out. You'll definitely need to get someone up front to watch/listen while this happens I would say.

-Glenn
Title: Re: popping noise in front end
Post by: Yankee-Tim on July 14, 2008, 08:05:54 AM
Sounds like a worn out rod end on the rack & pinion steering.  I've replaced a few already on my 2000 GV.
Title: Re: popping noise in front end
Post by: CampinMan on July 17, 2008, 02:08:37 PM
I took it to the local suzuki dealership today. They thought that both front wheel bearings needed to be replaced. Does that sound possible with only 34,000 miles on it. Also how hard are the bearings to replace. The shop wanted $873 to replace them
Title: Re: popping noise in front end
Post by: Armour on July 17, 2008, 03:45:52 PM
The bearings aren't that hard to replace. Are they a hub assm on that truck?
Title: Re: popping noise in front end
Post by: CampinMan on July 18, 2008, 07:12:22 AM
Yes it is a hub assembly. They are kind of expensive though.
Title: Re: popping noise in front end
Post by: clockwork on July 19, 2008, 10:20:30 AM
ive had that popping noise when i first bought my tracker too.
my problem was a worn bolt/bushing on the swaybar i believe.
all i had to do was take off the tire and replace it, finished in about half hour.

hope everythings goes well and you dont spend too much on it  :D
Title: Re: popping noise in front end
Post by: CampinMan on August 19, 2008, 11:36:02 AM
I replaced the front bearings and the popping went away. I don't know how they became that worn out with only 39000 on them but they were bad. I replaced them and went on a trip to wyoming. after about 700 miles i was driving on a gravel road and all of a sudden it seemed like something bound up and brought us to a stop. We drove to the nexy town and it was making a grinding noise around the front end or transfer case area. Drove it back home and drove ok but still made lots of noise. I noticed when i got back that the 4 wheel drive didn't want to engage. I don't know if these problems are related but I'm getting tired of repairs on this vehicle with only 39000 on it.