Front Differential Mountings Removal & Installation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Suzuki Vitara, 2002 Suzuki Vitara, 2001 Suzuki Vitara, 2000 Suzuki Vitara, and 1999 Suzuki Vitara. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Lift up vehicle and turn steering wheel all way to the right.
Separate mounting right bracket (2) from differential housing (3) by removing mounting bracket bolts (1) from its lower part.
Remove mounting right bracket (2) by removing mounting front bolt (4) from its upper part.

Fig 1: Removing Front Mounting Bracket R
Courtesy of SUZUKI OF AMERICA CORP.
Remove mounting bracket L (3) from differential housing (1) by removing upper and lower fastening bolts (2, 4).

Fig 2: Removing Front Mounting Bracket L
Courtesy of SUZUKI OF AMERICA CORP.
Check conditions of each bush. If it is damaged or deteriorated, drive it out with special tools and hydraulic press for replacement.
Special tool

(A): 09951-26010

(B): 09951-16080

Fig 3: Replacing Bush
Courtesy of SUZUKI OF AMERICA CORP.
Position slit in each bush (2) as shown when press-fitting it.
Bush Instillation position (angle "A"): 45 ° (slit alignment)

Fig 4: Identifying Slit Position
Courtesy of SUZUKI OF AMERICA CORP.
Position each bush to bracket as shown in the figure.
Bush installation position (Length "a"): 3.0 mm (0.12 in.)

Fig 5: Identifying Bush Position
Courtesy of SUZUKI OF AMERICA CORP.
Tighten differential mounting front and bracket bolt to specified torque for reinstallation.
Tightening torque

Differential mounting front bolt (a): 85 N.m (8.5 kg-m, 61.5 lb-ft)

Differential mounting bracket bolt (b): 50 N.m (5.0 kg-m, 36.5 lb-ft)

Fig 6: Tightening Differential Front Mounting & Bracket Bolts
Courtesy of SUZUKI OF AMERICA CORP.