Offroad-Express

Hi, my first post, just joined. Found this site when looking at purchasing a Vitara, what an awesome resource!!! I now have one, (love it!) and it has a problem. The clutch cable has bounced out of the forward clip, in the vicinity of the radiator fan and cam belt, and has had a go at the fan and one of the belts. The result is a snapped clutch cable and a slightly mangled belt.

Has anyone had this happen before? I know the cable and the belt will need replacing. Anyone have a ball park figure on what that could cost? I also need to get the alternator pulley bearings changed as they scream a bit. Seems like that clip could do with a plasti-tie or bit of wire around it in the future.

Any help greatly appreciated.

Chris.

last cable I bought was about $85 dollars I think from memory and a fan belt is about $5-10

I had it once, but it just rubbed on the alty pulley and I caught it quite soon. Cable tie as extra support and she was sweet as.

Yep, us too.

Changed a broken cable and had the new one do the same damn thing before I figured out why. Doh!

Secure it in the clip for sure. While you're changing it, check around the fitting on the firewall for cracking, it's not uncommon if the cable's been stiff. Pays to strengthen that section up with a doubler plate and then you'll never have a problem there again.

Welcome to zukdom

Cheers for the replies, i didn't think i would be the only one, that clip is oddly placed. As per lincooln's reply, thats exactly what happened. Alternator pulley wore completely through the the clutch cable and also chewed into the belt attached to that. I have replaced cable ($155.00 from Eurocar suzuki here in palmy north), needs adjusting though, no idea what the proper adjustment is, fire wall looks sweet, cable was mint prior to been cut through. Alternator belt also needs replacing and the pulley bearings, so i guess its going into the shop. Does anyone know the best place to go around here (P.North), i am looking at Eurocar suzuki as they are just down the road.
Cheers

I'd be inclined to upgrade the alternator to a 2nd hand 110A Fairmont one - it's easy and they're cheap from the wreckers... Last one I did took an hour and from memory I think $35 from pick-a-prat.

What would the benefit of a fairmont alt be, more power im guessing?

yep, more power - faster recharging if the battery goes flat, good for winching or just running big lights. A bit of a squeeze to fit in, but they're generally cheap as so it's worth the swap.

Cheers, ill look into it. I'm thinking lift kit or muds (have A/Ts at the moment) first though, bit of scraping at the river yesterday.

Engibear wrote:Cheers, ill look into it. I'm thinking lift kit or muds (have A/Ts at the moment) first though, bit of scraping at the river yesterday.

I vote lift first, then you can choose tyres to suit.

Yeah could be the way forward..........................trawling through EBAY an found these:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Suzuki-Vitara-X90-Tracker-sidekick-sunrunner-complete-2-coil-spring-lift-kit-/221238268871?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item3382d413c7&vxp=mtr

thoughts? i dont know what postage would be, but they are cheap.

Engibear wrote:Yeah could be the way forward..........................trawling through EBAY an found these:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Suzuki-Vitara-X90-Tracker-sidekick-sunrunner-complete-2-coil-spring-lift-kit-/221238268871?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item3382d413c7&vxp=mtr

thoughts? i dont know what postage would be, but they are cheap.

JimnyBits in the UK (the vendor) are a reputable company so I'd have no hesitation in dealing with them, but make sure you've studied the threads on here first. Many of the more experienced guys on here have been through the process and found the best solutions for most Suzuki setups.