ZUKIWORLD Online | Suzuki 4x4 Editorial and Forum

ZUKIWORLD Discussion Forum => Technical Discussion - Beginner / Repair => Topic started by: 144man on June 19, 2011, 12:01:45 PM

Title: Groaning steering
Post by: 144man on June 19, 2011, 12:01:45 PM

My stock '87 Samurai sometimes makes a groaning sound when unwinding the steering wheel after a full-crank low-speed turn.  It usually happens in parking lots.  It SEEMS to be coming from within the steering column, but to be honest, it could be coming from anywhere in the front end.

Should I be worried?  Is there something I can pump full of grease to make it go away?

Title: Re: Groaning steering
Post by: wildgoody on June 19, 2011, 12:09:36 PM

I ended up with a nuked steering gear in my steering box, mind you
I have about 275,000 miles driven in my Kick, but you might want
to be concerned as mine caused the steering wheel to lock so tight
that I could hardly steer, I had to swap out the steering box with
one I picked up earlier at a wrecking yard, but it was a power steering
unit, it was still easier to steer without a pump than the old box

Wild

Title: Re: Groaning steering
Post by: gearjam on June 19, 2011, 06:05:53 PM

Just make sure the fluid is full because if they suck air it makes noise.

Title: Re: Groaning steering
Post by: wildgoody on June 19, 2011, 07:41:39 PM

An 87 Samurai didn't come with power steering, but if it's
been added, that should be your first step

Wild

Title: Re: Groaning steering
Post by: mrfuelish on June 19, 2011, 07:48:12 PM

it is the bushing in the steering tube. drill hole by feet, add oil.

Title: Re: Groaning steering
Post by: 86Sumo on June 21, 2011, 06:22:18 PM

One thing to check is the steering stabilizer. Mine creaked and groaned and was very hard to turn sharp to the left. Took it off and it steers great. Never did replace it.
Bob

Title: Re: Groaning steering
Post by: kieronfb on June 26, 2011, 05:17:10 PM

I have the same problem with my 87 I'm going to fix it so I'll keep you up to date.