[VitNick]

Hi everyone,
on the way to work the other day (5 minute drive) I had a super loud grinding noise coming from the front right of my SV420 Vitara. I happened for a few hundred meters then a loud bang and all was fine again. It has happened on the odd occasion but seems to be pretty random and the last time was the worst. Driving at 4am and suddenly what !?. When it was making the grinding noise it felt and sounded like the it was in 4wd as the steering went heavy and could hear whining from the front diff. I have taken the auto hub off and had a look and it all seemed fine, wheel bearings seem fine as the noise isn't all the time, CV's have no noticeable damage.

Any ideas????? Possibly something in front diff has let go (still running the alloy one)?

[atari4x4]

auto hubs are a weird thing, i've never really taken much notice on how they work... i'd ditch them straight away & fit some manual hubs.

[VitNick]

Was thinking that all ready don't like them unlocking hwen reversing, especially on hills. Would I be correct in saying that I'd need ones to suite 26 spline being a 98 model? So most manual hubs won't fit?
Still don't get how the auto hub can lock as it needs drive from the front diff to engage so it can't do it by itself still not sure whats making the noise

[atari4x4]

nah the splines on the outer CV's are universal across the vitara range so any manual hubs will fit.

[VitNick]

ahhh didn't know that saved me a heap of confusion, thanks . Will get some new ones (needed a reason to buy some) and will also go over what I can to check what's going on in the front end. Hopefully its the hubs causing it.

[atari4x4]

you didn't happen to knock the transfer lever into 4H, you running a body lift?

[VitNick]

Yep ~40mm of body lift. I guess its possible and have heard of people having that problem. Not too sure if it could happen whilst driving but anythings possible, will sus it out tomorrow.

[VitNick]

So checked it out, there is plenty of Clarence around the transfer leaver. Talked to my grandfather and he had a similar problem on his patrol, where the transfer would not stay in 2 wheel drive correctly and would bounce into 4 causing the hubs to lock and make all kinds of bad noises. So manual hubs are definitely going on, may leave the transfer until funds permit gears and a rebuild. Would there be any major issues of having the front diff turning but the hubs not being locked in, apart from extra wear on the diff and cv's

[atari4x4]

no, but with auto hubs it's going to bring a world of pain... i regularly dump mine into 4h for the short drive to work with the hubs unlocked if i haven't been for a wheel for a while just to keep everything lubed.

you will notice slightly more drag & fuel burn though. if you want to test to see if the auto hubs were the problem, remove them & cap the open end with the lids from a couple cans of degreaser/spray paint etc so you don't get crap/water in your bearings etc & go for a test drive, drop it into 4h etc etc.

sometimes with my silver swb it wouldn't drop out of 4wd completely & after a couple car lengths it would pop out but there was no grinding noises, you'd just feel it unload & it would drop back to 2wd.

hunt down people parting out vitara's on here & on fakebook, should be able to pick a pair up pretty cheap. just make sure you get the cone washers & bolts... don't waste your money on bling bling aftermarket hubs, they're not worth the money IMO.

[VitNick]

Thanks will have some fun tomorrow, will keep an eye out for some second hand ones I think the local wrecker has some as well

[VitNick]

Ok so after driving yesterday and today to work and back, as per Atari's suggestion the auto hub is rooted. From sounding like the front end was nomming on itself to not a sound at all without the hubs. Time to start searching for some manual hubs.
Thanks everyone
Nick

[atari4x4]

search through the getting rid of stuff & PM people parting out vitara's as i've noticed alot of wanted ad's over the years go unanswered.

[VitNick]

Thanks will do, am also going to the wreckers on the weekend to get some bits and pieces, so will have a look. Will be cheering if the grand vitara has a steel front diff as well

[atari4x4]

steal the GV drive flanges (where the FWH bolts to) & sell them on here to someone doing a full floater conversion.

[VitNick]

Sounds like a good plan, hoping its still go its diff in it. Out of curiosity would sierra hubs fit on a Vitara, or are the shafts different lengths?

[tanshi]

coily ones i think will fit. leafy wont

[Reubs]

tanshi wrote:

coily ones i think will fit. leafy wont

Correct. Coily ones are identical to the 1.6 Vit ones.

[VitNick]

Thanks, saved me a bit of trial and error . Will have some fun at the wreckers on Saturday, if not buzbox has a set on new ones

[VitNick]

Manual hubs sorted, bit of messing around with the cone washers but all sorted now thanks.