About David Scott Expertise Questions or advice regarding Suzuki 4wd vehicles as regards repair or modifications for offroad use.
Experience Been a professional mechanic over 30 yrs I've owned and modified 2 Sidekicks, and 3 Samurais, one of which I still have, and ocasionally drive, when my kids let me.
Expert: David Scott Date: 3/8/2004 Subject: Sazuki Clutch
Question -------------------------
Followup To
Question -
How hard is it to replace the clutch in a 1987 4WD Samari?
Answer -
Compared to most of the popular SUV vehicles today, rather easy. First, the parts are smaller and lighter, second the transfer case is a seperate gear box from the trans, requiring only that you remove the short shaft from the trans to the transfer case. It's also not necessary to completely remove the trans, rather merely withdraw it to the rear about a foot or so to permit essential parts to be changed.
However, I INSIST that you use a factory manual, not some cheap knock off. It has the correct information, where the brand "X" manual has a bunch of non specific BS that won't help.
Go to IZOOK.COM, and use the links to find a manual and parts. While I'm personally somewhat fond of Rocky Road Outfitters, you may discover you prefer another.
If you have tools, and are relatively adventurous, you can probably do it with no trouble. If, as you are doing the job, you find specific issues, feel free to contact me as necessary.
David,
The shop that looked at it said that the 'horrible' squeel was either the throwout berring or a berring at the front of the tranny. Since it goes away when the clutch is in, I think it is more likely the throwout berring. Any experience with this problem?
Ken In StL
Answer Ok, let's narrow it down.
If it squeals when you begin to depress the clutch pedal, that's the throwout bearing
If it squeals when you have the pedal depressed fully, and move the stick into gear with the car stopped, that's the pilot bearing.
If it squeals when the clutch pedal isn't depressed, and then changes when you depress it slightly, that's the t/o brg.
If it squeals with the pedal not depressed, engine running, not in gear, vehicle not moving, that's inside the trans.
Regardless of what it is, while you've got it apart, change the friction disc, pressure plate, throwout bearing, pilot bearing, and the rear main seal, while you've got the chance. That means you won't have to go back in there for a couple of years, minimum.
