In this regular column, Autodata’s Technical Team share their fixes to common problems raised through Autodata’s technical helpline, available to all UK customers.
Suzuki Vitara – resonance or abnormal noise from the rear of the vehicle while driving
FAULT:
A customer of ours is complaining that their 2016 Suzuki Vitara has a vibration and an abnormal noise from the rear of the vehicle while driving. We have visually checked the underside of the vehicle but have found no faults. We suspect the rear differential to be at fault, but are reluctant to replace it as it is an expensive part.
FIX:
The fault you describe has been reported before on Vitara models with four-wheel drive. The cause of the resonance and noise is due to an unsatisfactory design of the rear differential mounting arm. A modified arm and a vibration damper are available from Suzuki parts department and are required to rectify this fault. Remove and discard the old arm. Fit the vibration damper onto the new rear differential mounting arm and tighten retaining nut to the correct torque of 18-28Nm (Fig 2.1). Fit the new rear differential mounting arm in reverse order of removal. Carry out road test to ensure the fault has been eliminated.
