Newbie 99Vitara Transmission crunching GBox or Transfer Box?

[npjrogers@btinternet.com]

Hi from a Belfast Newbie.. Just bought a 99Vit 4u2 softtop .. One of the Transmission Boxes has gone I think.. Noise when stationary . Stops on Clutch depress.. how can I tell if it is G box or Transfer box?.. (or both ''''aagh'''') greatly appreciate any advice..
Nick Rogers 02890616735

[dan_2k_uk]

Hi and welcome

Sounds like a gearbox input shaft bearing to me if its noisy in gearbox neutral then thats the only shaft spinning.

Have you checked the gearbox oil level?

Dan

[npjrogers@btinternet.com]

Thanks for your reply.. it makes good sense.. What oil for gearbox would you recomment..
thanks again..
Nick

[dan_2k_uk]

I dont know for the vitara but the samurai takes EP75W90 gear oil. I would imagine the vitara would use the same or similar. I'm sure your local motor factors can tell you.

Dan

[ScottieJ]

Vitaras need sae75(or 80)w90 gl4 or a yellow metal safe alternative as they have yellow metals in the gearbox unlike SJs.

For the transferbox and diffs sae80w90 gl5 or good ol' ep90

Sounds to me like it could possibly be the clutch release(thrust) bearing however these are usually noisy when the clutch is pressed as well.

[npjrogers@btinternet.com]

Thanks for all the support... I am beginning to wonder if it is a thrust bearing as the noise does not seem to from from deep in the mechanicals.. What is the best way to remove the engine ... Upwards or downwards.?? Ie up through the bonnet or down into a pit... If I had one !!
Nick

[ScottieJ]

Easiest to pull the engine out from above in a vitara, its not to bad a job, doesn't take too long either.

[npjrogers@btinternet.com]

Hi again from Belfast.. I have found a guy who is great at gearbox rebuilds.. You have to remove the gearbox and take it to him.. (naturally) .. I have the vit up on axle stands (under the chassis at the four approved points) and The chassis is clear of the ground by 35cm. Is this enough to let the box out or should I plan to take the engine, gearbox and transfer box out from above as one unit? I have access to an engine lifting crane rig. He says that he doesnt do transfer box overhauls so can I simply unbolt from the gearbox or shoud I let the expert remove it?

Apologies for all the questions but it is better to learn by asking and listening than by doing!
Nick from Belfast
PS Absolutely no rust on the underbody.. Wee bit on some components but only to be expected..

[ScottieJ]

That should be enough clearance to pull the box out from underneath I would imagine. it's probably easiest to pull the transferbox and gearbox out in one unit. it's been years since I took one out of a vit, can't actually remember how I did it.