[Gagginforit_00]

Hi guys, long time reader, first time poster. I have a 2006 2.0 auto GV, 4 door. And run of bad luck. I recently bought a set of struts, reputable brand and fitted them, they were both seized after two weeks!!! During the two weeks, I noticed a sort of vibration/wobble in the front end. After checking every nut/bolt screw and fastening possible on the front end, I still have the same rattle/vibration at random times. It tends to appear at about 70k's and when it happens, it increases slowing down to braking. Issue has persisted, at random times after fitting replacement struts.

Any tips, hints etc would be greatly appreciated. It has been to the mechanics today. Not a wheel bearing issue, possibly front diff binding????

Thanks in advance
Dan

[31zook]

Hey dan, more then likely your alignment is out. Get a $60 wheel alignment and see how that goes

[Gagginforit_00]

Tried that one. That probably wouldn't be so random either. Definitely like that, it almost feels like there's a few wheel nuts really loose, however upon inspection, all wheel nuts were tight.

Any other guesses?? I even thought maybe a missing wheel weight? That too would cause a constant, rather than an intermittent vibration in the front/rear.

[atari4x4]

how much lift do you have, got free wheeling hubs or diff drop brackets? just thinking it could be the CV's binding from excessive lift.

EDIT: is it a SQ series Grand Vitara or one of the NGV's?????

[Duebakka]

Not sure if your gv has it but make sure your transfer lever is pushed firmly in the 2wd position as my car vibrates at 80km+ if it's not in properly.

[Gagginforit_00]

I have 35mm lift. No freewheeling hubs either. Just the standard equipment. As for the model. It's the current shape, 2litre. I'm not sure the difference between sq and the ngv's. What is the difference? It is coil all round if that's a defining factor?

[Gagginforit_00]

No 2wd option duebakka. It's got hi, low etc drives in 4h.

[atari4x4]

Gagginforit_00 wrote:

I have 35mm lift. No freewheeling hubs either. Just the standard equipment. As for the model. It's the current shape, 2litre. I'm not sure the difference between sq and the ngv's. What is the difference? It is coil all round if that's a defining factor?

ahh, it's a NGV, they're 2 completely different vehicles... you can scratch what i said about diff drops & free wheeling hubs.

also, nice username.

[Gagginforit_00]

Thanks Atari, the username has stuck with me for some years now. Long story. But the two models you mention, what's the difference? Is there a better way to describe my model? JB perhaps?

[Built4thrashing]

The fact you said it was a 2006 model means it the first of the current shape making it a JB420.

When you fitted the new struts and the 35mm lift did you fit camber bolts to the front struts to get the camber back in speck?

Its also know that the rear bush on the front arms like to fail with any size lift over stock.

and last thing I'd check is worn steering arms.

My GV (old shape) flogs out steering arms quickly and steering/handling goes a bit vague.

[fordem]

Built4thrashing wrote:

My GV (old shape) flogs out steering arms quickly and steering/handling goes a bit vague.

What are you defining as the "steering arm"?

[Built4thrashing]

there are 2 arms on each side. Inner and outer. Otherwise known as tierods

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/2-INNER-2-OU ... 35d0a88546

Inner has a ball and socket that wears out. 1mm of wear in this inner joint transfers to about 5-10mm at the wheel.
this can cause weird and vague steering.