Suzuki Grand Vitara JB627. Manual - part 260

6C-1 Power Assisted Steering System: 

Steering

Power Assisted Steering System

Precautions

P/S System Note

S6JB0B6300001

NOTE

• Some parts in the power steering gear case cannot be disassembled or adjusted. For detailed 

information, refer to the description of “Steering Gear Case Construction”.

• All steering gear fasteners are important attaching parts in that they could affect the performance of 

vital parts and systems, and/or could result in major repair expense. They must be replaced with one 
of the same part number or with an equivalent part if replacement becomes necessary. Do not use a 
replacement part of lesser quality or substitute design. Torque values must be used as specified 
during reassembly to assure proper retention of these parts.

• Although the figures in this section show only the left-hand steering vehicle, the same work 

procedure and data apply to the right-hand steering vehicle.

 

General Description

P/S System Construction

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The power steering (P/S) system in this vehicle reduces the driver’s effort needed in turning the steering wheel by 
utilizing the hydraulic pressure generated by the power steering (P/S) pump (2) which is driven by the engine.
It is an integral type with the rack and pinion gears and the control valve unit, hydraulic pressure cylinder unit all built in 
the steering gear case (1).

3

2

1

3

2

1

[A]

[B]

I6JB0B630001-03

[A]: LHD model
[B]: RHD model

3. P/S fluid reservoir

Power Assisted Steering System:  6C-2

Steering Gear Case Construction

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The steering gear case consists of two sections: one including a cylinder and the other a valve. Main components of 
the cylinder section are a gear case (7), a rack (8) and a tube and those of the valve section are a valve case (10), a 
sleeve (4) and a stub shaft (2). The sleeve is linked with the pinion (6) through a pin (1) and the valve and stub shaft 
are integrated into one unit. Then the pinion and the stub shaft are linked to each other by means of the torsion bar (3).
Thus, when the stub shaft moves, the valve changes its position, thereby switching the hydraulic passage from the 
pump to the cylinder to help steering operation.
When turning the steering wheel feels heavy due to P/S fluid leakage or for some other reason (i.e., when in the 
manual steering mode), the stub shaft and pinion are in direct linkage and the force is output directly through the 
pinion and rack.

P/S Pump Construction

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The power steering pump is a vane type and is driven by the V-ribbed belt from the crankshaft.

Power steering (P/S) pump specifications

Flow Control Valve (Relief Valve)
As the discharge rate of the P/S pump increases in proportion to the pump revolution speed, a flow control valve is 
added to control it so that the optimum amount of fluid for steering operation is supplied according to the engine speed 
(driving condition).

5. Bearing

9. Ferrule

1

3

2

4

9

5

6

7

10

8

I5JB0A630002-01

Model

Vane type

Hydraulic pressure 
control

Relieved 
pressure

7850 kPa (78.5 kg/cm

2

, 1116 psi)

Control device

Flow control valve and relief valve

Power steering pressure switch

Switch turns on (closes) when the pressure is higher than 2500 – 
3000 kPa (25 – 30 kg/cm

2

, 356 – 427 psi).

ECM uses this signal for idle speed control.

6C-3 Power Assisted Steering System: 

Schematic and Routing Diagram

P/S Fluid Flow Diagram

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1. Power steering pump

3. P/S fluid reservoir

5. Pinion

2. Valve section

4. Rack

6. Cylinder

Power Assisted Steering System:  6C-4

Diagnostic Information and Procedures

P/S System Symptom Diagnosis

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Condition

Possible cause

Correction / Reference Item

Steering wheel feels 
heavy (at low speed)

Fluid deteriorated, low viscosity, 
different type of fluid mixed

Replace fluid.

Pipes or hoses deformed, air entering 
through joint

Replace defective part.

Insufficient air purging from P/S circuit

Purge air.

P/S belt worn, lacking in tension

Adjust belt tension or replace belt as 
necessary.

Tire inflation pressure excessively low

Inflate tire.

Front end alignment out of order

Check and adjust front end alignment.

Steering wheel installed improperly 
(twisted)

Install steering wheel correctly.

Bind in tie-rod or tie-rod end ball joint

Replace defective part.

P/S pump hydraulic pressure fails to 
increase

Check pressure and repair or replace defective 
part.

P/S pump hydraulic pressure increases 
but slowly

Check pressure and repair or replace defective 
part.

Steering gear case malfunction

Replace gear case.

Steering wheel feels 
heavy momentarily when 
turning it to the left or 
right

Air drawn in due to insufficient amount of 
fluid

Add fluid and purge air.

Slipping P/S belt

Adjust belt tension or replace belt as 
necessary.

P/S pump hydraulic pressure fails to 
increase

Check pressure and repair or replace defective 
part.

P/S pump hydraulic pressure increases 
but slowly

Check pressure and repair or replace defective 
part.

Steering gear case malfunction

Replace gear case.

Poor recovery from turns Deformed pipes or hoses

Replace defective part.

Steering column installed improperly

Install steering column correctly.

Front end alignment out of order

Check and adjust front end alignment.

Ball joints binding

Replace defective part.

P/S pump hydraulic pressure fails to 
increase

Check pressure and repair or replace defective 
part.

P/S pump hydraulic pressure increases 
but slowly

Check pressure and repair or replace defective 
part.

Steering gear case malfunction

Replace gear case.

Vehicle pulls to one side 
during straight driving

Mismatched or uneven tire

Replace tire.

Low or uneven tire inflation pressure

Inflate tires to proper pressure or adjust right 
and left tires inflation pressure.

Brake dragging in one wheel

Repair.

Front end alignment out of order

Check and adjust front end alignment.

Rear end alignment out of order

Check and adjust rear end alignment.

Malfunction of control valve in gear case Replace gear case.

Steering wheel play is 
large and vehicle wanders

Refer to “Steering Symptom Diagnosis 
in Section 6A”.

Fluid leakage

Loose joints of (hydraulic pressure) 
pipes and hoses

Retighten.

Deformed or damaged pipes or hoses

Replace defective part.