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: 1/30/2008 Subject: free wheeling hubs
Question hi,have a 93 vitara and cnt engage 4wd,locking in hubs makes no difference,
there simply isn't any drive to the front wheels. i suspect the hubs are seized on
free, can i service them myself or do you need to be a mechanic [i'm a basic
mechanic] or could it be the transfer case etc
please help, thanks
marty
Answer What the heck, take 'em off and apart and see if you can see a problem. One thing I've seen a lot of is water frozen in the hubs from people using pressure washers on the hubs. Clean is not always desirable if it interferes with function. I've never had a vehicle with auto hubs, which I believe yours has, so my experience with them is limited to hearsay.
scotty
