AboutDavid Scott Expertise Questions regarding the advisability of different kinds of modifications to Samurai/Sidekick/Tracker or various kinds of off-road usage. I will not attempt to do more than provide links for questions about other Suzukis such as Vitara, Grand Vitara, etc. I may or may not give generalized advice for newer models, but have no experience regarding newer models, and will not attempt to give more than the most generalized answers for questions regarding vehicles later than '93 manufacture. I will however, if possible, provide a link that will help you contact a professional in your region.
Experience I've been a professional mechanic for over thirty five years, live in the center of the Rocky Mountains, and have been active in exploring the old mining/4wd roads for decades. I've specific experience with Samurai modification, because that's my personal vehicle.
Education/Credentials Thirty five years of advanced, intensive classes for experienced professionals only. Manufacturer seminars and training classes averaging four to six weeks per year. I'm now a professional heavy duty fleet mechanic, and no longer deal with issues such as MIL (check engine) lights
Expert: David Scott Date: 1/8/2008 Subject: car shake and engine click
Question hey scotty,
My 1986 suzuki samurai has been having trouble recently when going over bumps, the steering wheel shakes a little bit and then recovers, but sometimes when coming down a hill and slowing down from 50 to 30 the wheel starts shaking, then recovers at 25 mph. This only happens on 2 hills.
The other part; Recently my car has been having troubles. occasionally i'll get in, turn the key, and hear a click. I know the battery isn't dead because i've pulled everything that could draw. I look under the hood, notice some crap buildup on the terminal (positive), scrape it off and the car starts. Any idea on what this could be? (sometimes it starts but then the car idles down and stalls at stop signs then won't start up, so i have to explain to people that im stuck and if they could go around, that would be great :P)
hey, any suggestions would be great,
Happy new year
Answer The steering wheel shake is most probably a weak steering damper. The click and no start may well be either corroded connections or a common Samurai problem that can be solved with a relay and harness available at most of the links at izook.com.
scotty
