ZUKIWORLD Online | Suzuki 4x4 Editorial and Forum
ZUKIWORLD Discussion Forum => Suzuki 4x4 Forum => Topic started by: TN_Tracker on July 24, 2004, 03:01:19 PM
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As most of you know I have a '96 Tracker but know nothing about the later models. My parents are looking at a '99 Chevy Tracker and were telling me about an issue it has. They tried it in 4wd and it had some serious popping sounds coming from the front while turning. Dad says that it makes the whole truck shake when it happens. They were on loose gravel and grass so I don't think it was axle wrap. You guys have any idea what might be going on?
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I'm no expert but it sounds like a bad CV or broken thingamajig in the front diff.
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I'm no expert but it sounds like a bad CV or broken thingamajig in the front diff.
That was also what I was thinking. Doesn't the later models have some type of vacuum switch to engage the hubs?
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That was also what I was thinking. Doesn't the later models have some type of vacuum switch to engage the hubs?
Thats a good idea. Check for a leaking vacuum line.
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Thats a good idea. Check for a leaking vacuum line.
Will do, thanks. I thought more people could chime in on this, guess not. ;D
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I surely could chime in on this topic, but I just assumed that you wanted relavent and helpful information ;)
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I surely could chime in on this topic, but I just assumed that you wanted relavent and helpful information ;)
It's the thought that counts. ;D
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Are they trying to turn like full-lock or something? That's going to get popping on almost any 4x4 in 4wd.
If it's just when they're turning, then it's a problem, but if you are full-lock or close to it with the steering wheel, then it's how 4wd is and you shouldn't be doing tight u-turns in 4wd =/
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i have a 99 4door tracker and it has made a loud clunking noise when going down hill with fairly good traction and in 4wd and turning, since it was new. the dealer said it was caused by wind up and was normal. (what else would he say) i talked with someone with a 2000 vitara and it does the same thing.
regards, mt tracker :-/
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Thanks guys. Unfortunately I was not there for the test drive but I will look at the Tracker tomorrow. I'm not sure if they had it at full lock or not but I'll try to recreate the situation myself when I drive it.
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Noise your hearing could be from many different things. I'd first check the cv's but this probably isn't it. Since it's a 99, there are drive flanges on the ends rather than hubs. These make the axles rotate with the tires, so a bad cv would be heared in 2wd.
I'd check the rubber line coming off the frame to the diff on the bottom. The actuator is not vacuum, but pressurized. There is a pump just behind the grille above the bumper. It's line is located near the radiator, then goes down to the frame, along to the crossmember, then along that. It's a steel line covered in rubber till it goes to the diff. While at the diff, check the housing and the mounts.
I'd also look at the flanges. If there is no pressure to rotate the axle under no load, there could be a broken stub shaft at the wheel, or the splines are gone on the flange or the stub shaft.
I'd then check the front ds in neutral, then in gear. See if there is play in the joints. Then check the tranny mount.
Raise one side, in nuetral or 2wd, rotate front ds and the tire in the air should rotate. Turn and see if you can turn freely. If so, do same to other side. With front being open, torque travels less resistance. Tire on ground will hold, while tire in air will spin with the ds. Sort of like one on ice, other on concrete sort of thing.
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Forgot to add, check the steering also. It's rack and pinion and these do wear out or leak. Plus, it's mounted in 2 places and this could be broken.
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Mine is pretty quiet. Although I only really use it in the winter in the snow, it's pretty quiet compared to my old Trooper. The Trooper you KNEW was in 4WD everything vibrated and made noise ::) The only way I can tell with this is when I'm taking a tight turn, otherwise it's quiet.
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Thanks for the tips guys. Since we're on the subject is there anywhere else I should examine closely for problems. Didn't know about the rack and pinion issues.
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What about the Rack and Peanut steering???? ;D Just kidding actually mine only has 49,000 miles on it but it's tight as a drum. In fact, it feels like a brand new one. It seems to hold up well. Just can't get used to no greese fittings anywhere on the front end. But it's holding up just fine. Dave
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The car dealer finally got this vehicle back out of the shop and I took it for a test drive. Just like Dad said there is a popping sound from the left front while turning left and in 4wd nothing happens while turning right or when it’s in 2wd. I was testing on wet grass and I'm sure there was some axle wrap involved because I could feel it binding somewhat but it still doesn't explain the popping sound.
The dealer has replaced both front axles and supposedly had the complete differential apart looking for the problem. Any ideas?
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Have you looked close to make sure all of the suspension and steering is tight? Maybe loose upper strut mount? But that should have the same probler in 2 of 4wd? It's got me at a loss?
Zig
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I hadn't thought about the strut mount, thanks Zig. :)