Ok, I'm by far NO mechanic but I want to try and figure this out.
The front is clicking on turns and getting worse. It looks to mr like a straight axle which I'm guessing means no cv joints, Am I correct? Either way, I pulled the tire (driver side) and I need to know how to get it out to get it fixed.Is it the numerous bolts on the inner side near the axle? What else do I need to know. Help out a newbie to mechanics. Thanks in advance.

Oh yeah, My power stearing quit working this weekend too. Does that have anything to do with the  axles or did I lose my pump. The resevoir is full of fluid.
If it would be easier to explain over the phone then PM me and I'll give you my number.

What vehicle are we looking at here?

What vehicle are we looking at here?

I swear I'm no idiot, I just figured everyone should have known it was an 86 sammy.....lol....

Post modified.

After going out and looking at it I'm guessing it's the wheel bearings that are shot seeings that it's a straight axle. I'm I on track here? If so, Wwhat do I have to take apart to get to them?

This sounds like the birfield joint is going. It's similar to a cv joint or U joint. Un fortunately with the Samurai you will need to replace the whole axle.

To get it out you need to remove the hubs, brakes, rotor and wheel bearing assembly, the backing plate and then the axle will pull out.

To describe how to do it here would take for ever so I suggest you get yourself a manual from Suzuki and it will guide you through.

It's a messy job anf it takes a little time if your new to it but it is not too difficult. It's also a good opportunity to check your wheel bearings, kingpins, axle seals, and knuckle seals and felts. If any of this stuff is bad you may want to check the other side.

Don't be overwhelmed as if you do need to rebuild all of this your truck will drive much better and your steering will be tighter as well. It will also be good for a few years to come depending on how hard you wheel it.

Good Luck

This sounds like the birfield joint is going. It's similar to a cv joint or U joint. Un fortunately with the Samurai you will need to replace the whole axle.

To get it out you need to remove the hubs, brakes, rotor and wheel bearing assembly, the backing plate and then the axle will pull out.


Good Luck

Thanks for the info. Now my question is do I need to do this to each side (It sounds like they are both clickin) ?
Or is it all one piece

Yes both sides. All the parts are the same on both sides except the passenger axle is shorter but the job is the same. Do one at a time that way if you get mixed up youn can use the other side for reference.

here is a link to a page describing how to take the front axle apart at the hubs:

1. Removing the hubs without disassembling the hub -

http://www.acksfaq.com/samuraifrontaxle.php

2. removing the locking hub and the wheel bearings -

http://www.izook.com/tech/samurai/suspension/steeringknuckle/steeringknuckle.htm
(Izook.com).

Remove the locking hub first using the second link. The second link is more like what you want to do, but the first link was shot in better lighting. 

DON"T FORGET to pack the inside bearing with grease before installing it!  Also, be careful to install the inner seal with the flappy rubber part facing away from the bearing or towards the center of the truck!  I just replaced a set of wheel bearings because I forgot these minor details.      

here is a link to a page describing how to take the front axle apart at the hubs:

1. Removing the hubs without disassembling the hub -

http://www.acksfaq.com/samuraifrontaxle.php

2. removing the locking hub and the wheel bearings -

http://www.izook.com/tech/samurai/suspension/steeringknuckle/steeringknuckle.htm
(Izook.com).

Remove the locking hub first using the second link. The second link is more like what you want to do, but the first link was shot in better lighting. 

DON"T FORGET to pack the inside bearing with grease before installing it!  Also, be careful to install the inner seal with the flappy rubber part facing away from the bearing or towards the center of the truck!  I just replaced a set of wheel bearings because I forgot these minor details.      

Thanks for the site. I just read the process and it looks to be a doable job. I'll have my wife get on it when she gets home this evening.....lol...
Seriously though, I think I'll start on it this evening.

is $70 shipped a good price for both sides? It says their in excellent condition.
Also, is the power sterring gone because of the Birfield joints going bad. I can even turn the wheel now.

I hate to recommend spending more money, but Trail Tough still has their new chromemoly front axles on a half price sale.  You will have to put new side gears in your front diff, but you shouldn't have to worry about breaking your birfields again. 

Holy crap, I can't believe this thing has been sitting for over a year. The funds just haven't been there to fix it. Anyways, I just talked to a dude locally that seems pretty knowledgable about Sami's. He said that he didn't think it was the Birfield joint and that it sounded like it was the king pins were frozen up. Any input from some of the pros out there?

It's easy enough to find out.  Just pull your front end apart and check things out.  If it is the birfield you can usually find the cracks.  it will also allow you to inspect your kingpin bearings at the same time.

One recommendation for tearing things apart, go down to the local hardware store and pick up some nomex gloves normally used for painting.  It comes in handy not having to clean all the grease and oil off of your hands every few minutes.

the clicking when turning is normally the birfs....I'd take both side apart and install all new seals and repack the bearings. You are probably going to have to replace the kingpin bearings. I don't think the problem is the kingpins...you'll still probably find them all dirty and seized.

get the rebuild kit and go to town. you can seperate the birf from the axle but it's not worth it in your case....most people sell them as one. don;t try using a hammer to seperate them....you just need a vise a pipe, some penatrating oil and some curse words. I pop them to grease them but you don't need to...they can be greased as one.

When you've got it apart remember to replace all the seals and the axle seals. I have gotten lucky in the past and taken the birfs out, repacked them with new GOOD grease and they got a little quieter but it doesn't always work.

Alot of times the balls get wet from gear oil....the oil leaks out from a bad seal and then takes out the grease in the birf and then in a short time the birf will rust and then "click, click"....then bang, bang, pop, pop then no more front wheels pulling.



IT's not real hard to get it done but most shops won't touch it becuase they jst don't know.....

Here is a link on how to pull axles and front diff if needed.  If you have never pulled a axle its really rather simple, and you could do it. I just suggest taking you time, and you will be able to do it.

tech writeup link
http://zuknation.net/Zuknation/modules.php?name=Content&pa=showpage&pid=8