Suzuki: Wheel play, pivot bearings, wheel bearings

Question
QUESTION: I have a 1987 Suzuki Samurai and the left front wheel shakes going down the road at about 40 mph. It has 4 wheel drive and when it gets to 45 mph it quits shaking. Is it the ball joints or is it the steering box because you can adjust the sterring box to take the play out of them.

ANSWER: Check the wheel bearings first, and before adjusting them, make certain there's enough grease, and it's clean.  Even though most procedures suggest a little free play, you'll find that the bearing manufacturers specify a slight preload.  It's usually not the front hub pivot bearings, although it could be in the steering linkage in al older car.  Eliminate them methodically.
scotty

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I checked the bearing today and it was a little dry so I repacked it and checked it and it was fine, but the left front wheel keeps shaking going down the road at about 35 to 40 mph and stops about 45 mph. Anything else that it could be?

Answer
It doesn't have ball joints, and the knuckle bearings are very seldom a problem, but they can be checked by lifting the front wheels off the ground, and checking for play.  Make certain that if there is play, that you determine whether it is knuckle  or wheel bearing play. Have someone wiggle the steering wheel while the wheels are on the ground, and look for steering linkage and tie rod end play.  The steering damper is a common issue as well, and is frequently in need of replacement in older vehicles.  It can be checked by disconnecting one end, and looking for lack of damping in small amounts of movement.
scotty