ZUKIWORLD Online | Suzuki 4x4 Editorial and Forum

ZUKIWORLD Model Specific Suzuki Forum => Suzuki Grand Vitara, Vitara, Chevy Tracker (Gen. 2 Platform) 1999-2005 => Topic started by: biker on January 24, 2009, 04:55:56 PM

Title: Steering???
Post by: biker on January 24, 2009, 04:55:56 PM

I have an 01 Tracker 2.0 with power steering and have recently started getting a "tight" spot in the steering just off center in both directions. I have had the front end checked out and an alignment done and it got a clean bill of health but this problem showed up since then. I'm wondering if others are having problems with theirs or if I'm correct in saying that the problem lies in the steering rack. I only have 130,000kms on the truck and feel that this is a bit premature.

Title: Re: Steering???
Post by: Jeremiah on January 24, 2009, 07:58:53 PM

2001? Wrong forum my man: http://www.zukiworld.com/forum/index.php?board=10.0 (http://www.zukiworld.com/forum/index.php?board=10.0)

Title: Re: Steering???
Post by: biker on January 25, 2009, 08:06:52 AM

I think you better step away from the pipe as last time I checked 2001 fell between 1999 and 2005.
Anyone have anything to contribute on the question in the first post?

Title: Re: Steering???
Post by: pershingd on January 25, 2009, 08:15:30 AM

I'm sure you don't want to hear this, but I suspect the steering rack is going bad. I've had this occur on a couple of other cars and each time the rack was to blame. Check the pump & fluid, but I'm betting the rack needs to be replaced.

David

Title: Re: Steering???
Post by: Jeremiah on January 25, 2009, 02:57:05 PM

Oh.....

I was in the wrong forum  :-[


*puts the crack pipe down*

Title: Re: Steering???
Post by: Frank84 on January 26, 2009, 04:44:25 AM

Check the joints in the steering shaft where it connects to the steering rack.  You'll have to unbolt it and then check them to see if they are binding up.

Title: Re: Steering???
Post by: biker on January 26, 2009, 09:04:51 PM

Thanks guys, it's kinda what I thought. Have to wait for warmer weather to get a better look at it.

Title: Re: Steering???
Post by: nprecon on January 31, 2009, 04:41:53 PM

Biker, out of curiosity, anything unique about your truck, like suspension modifications or running larger tires?

Title: Re: Steering???
Post by: biker on February 02, 2009, 05:19:27 PM

Truck is bone stock.   Got a chance to have a closer look and found one of the U-joints just above the steering rack is seized. You can't buy just the joint you have to get the lower shaft. Can't seem to find one in western Canada for a decent price, even used they want $150 so I called Hawk and they hooked me up on the cheap.
A new one in the US is $300 or so but in Canada it's $637, anyone got any kinda justification on that  anal raping that we seem to be subjected to up here. >:(

Title: Re: Steering???
Post by: bzzr2 on February 03, 2009, 07:13:15 AM

one thing with the new parts here is i have found that if i go between suzuki, chevy and aftermarket there is usually one that stands out as significantly cheaper, however it is never consistent as to who has the best pricing.......  bs really.

Title: Re: Steering???
Post by: biker on February 03, 2009, 06:53:16 PM

Several times I have bought "dealer only" parts from GM only to find a Suzuki part tag under the GM one, but yet GM is usually cheaper?  Hawk was AWESOME to deal with and gave me a good price on the part :)