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: 1985rz500 on May 21, 2010, 10:10:58 AM
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Have an `03 ZR2 4dr, 60K miles, never been offroaded.
Has a loud clunk when you go over a bump with the wheels turned. Or if you drive in a straight line and turn hard left to right and back. No difference if I shift into 4wd. Nothing comes through the steering wheel and the truck drives perfectly under normal conditions.
Garage sz the bushings in the front diff supports may be the culprit.
Is this normal wear?
Anybody changed them?
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Sway bar - check the D rubbers that hold them to the chassis rails and the end links.
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Thanks fordem, we checked the sway bar mts and ends. First thng I thought it was but all is nice and tight there.
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Strut mounts?
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I haven't heard of the diff mount bushings having to be replaced. How about... if you had the front struts of your truck replaced recently, llift the hood and check to see if they replaced those 1/4 inch thick rubber bushings under BOTH of the metal washers under the top strut mounting nuts. Even though there is a 1/4 inch gap there everytime your strut mount flexes it allows that metal washer to contact (pound) on the metal of the truck body which seems to get transfered to the frame. If one of these (or both) is missing every time you hit a small bump it will sound like someone is beating on your suspension with a sledge hammer. This makes a "banging" noise though, not a "clunking" noise.
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Double check your swaybar end links, the ball and socket will wear and make noise but still feel tight as there is a lot of pressure on them. Maybe pry on them and see if there is play in them. It took mine finally breaking before I could find the noise. Just my thoughts.
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Thanks for the input folks. I bought the truck with 20K miles on it so I doubt that the struts had been changed. The garage checked the truck over on a two post hoist with the suspension fully extended. Dumb question, but would it really make any difference with the truck say, on the ground?
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Double check your swaybar end links, the ball and socket will wear and make noise but still feel tight as there is a lot of pressure on them. Maybe pry on them and see if there is play in them. It took mine finally breaking before I could find the noise. Just my thoughts.
Bingo! right you are. Right side was shot, don't know how the garage missed it. Imagine swapping out those diff support bushings and still having the noise?
Changed them both while I did the rotors and pads, thanks johndb
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Glad I could help.
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ha, just an fyi my diff bushing toward the rear is shot, so this can happen, but i wheel mine.