QuestionQUESTION: when driving uphill it starts smelling like ammonia then goes away then comes back for about a minute then goes away
ANSWER: It's the minor byproducts from the operation of the catalytic converter. There is enough that youcan smell it, but not enough to be harmful.
Ten years ago a strong sulphur smell was common for similar reasons.
It's not a defect, it's a characteristic.
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QUESTION: I took a look under the car and the y pipe to the catalytic converter was missing a bolt so I replaced it.It made it a little bit better but still the smell but only when heavy exceleration.Could I replace the converter with pipe and take it out of there.
ANSWER: If you take the converter out, It will be illegal to operate it in all fifty states and Canada, and will not pass ANY tail pipe emissions tests. AND if the Feds find out who disabled the emissions, they can (and usually do) fine that person $10,000. BTW the fine is an administrative fine, and not something you can appeal in the normal court system.
It's entirely your call, but I would not take it out.
Try having a technician look at it. Do a search for iATN.net use the shopfinder.
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QUESTION: is there a trick to getting the rear break drums off
AnswerThere are 2 threaded holes, directly opposite each other that will allow you to thread a bolt in. They will press against the hub to assist in removing the drum. CAUTION the brake shoe adjustment must be loosened in most cases. You will have to look in the Vitara manual to find specifics on rear brake adjustment, I only know Samurai in that respect.
