[How0049]

Hey guys,

I have been looking to buy a late 90's Virara for some time now. More recently I have been looking at a 1998 SWB 2.0 that has had a bit of work done to it (2" lift, steel front diff, front and rear ARB air lockers) it has about 260000kms on it but looks in reasonable condition.

After talking to the owner, he says the only real problem it has is a whining from the back diff when you get up toward 110kph. After a bit of trawling, it seems it could be a whole range of things (diff, transfer case, u-joints etc.) he also said that he had the bearings in the rear diff replaced with no improvement.

My question is for any advise as to how big of a problem this could turn into. Or if it is pretty common and not really a big deal. Also is there anything I should be specifically checking when I go to inspect it? Both in relation to the whine, but also general issues with a Vitara to stay clear of.

I appreciate any advise that anyone has to offer.

Cheers,

[greavesyzook]

Could be wheel bearings my one wines a bit but its always done it. I did the wheel bearings and its heaps better

[How0049]

Good to know. Are they a big deal to change out yourself???

[greavesyzook]

Nah easy if you know what your doing just take your time

[sideways]

A friend had his Sierras rear diff rebuilt because of a whine. Turned out to be a rear wheel bearing.

Not saying ignore the whine, could be a gearbox or transfer and that's both expensive and a pretty crappy job to fix.

Personally, it'd wanna be dirt cheap or I'd walk away. I've spent wayyyyyyyyy to much time worrying about and fixing freaking whining things.

[HarryHoudini]

Yep,gearbox/transfer noises can manifest to appear as rear axle noises,needs diagnosis from knowledgeable people.After saying that if your going to keep the car start with the wheel bearings and work back.

[How0049]

Thanks for the feedback guys. I am wondering because it only occurs at such high speeds is it really a big deal. The hard thing is that I haven't heard the noise for myself, so it's a bit hard to judge. If that's really the only thing wrong with the car and it's a decent price, do you think it's worth driving 7hrs for a test drive??? Or give this one a miss???

Generally how are the rear ends in Vitara's???

[greavesyzook]

7 hrs! I'd give it a miss something will come up.... Or just buy a lwb sierra!

[jdk81]

Vitara rear ends are fairly tough.
With the exception of the 4.3 in manual 2.5L v6 which seem to break a bit.

The others should be fine.

I would expect it to be a dodgy locker install and the gears are knackered.