Vitara freewheeling hubs - problem with fitting. Pls help

[Damon]

Hello

I've got a problem trying to fit freewheeling hubs to my 1995 8v FI Vitara.

I've got 2 pairs of freewheeling hubs (both taken off SJ413's) - none of them fit properly :(

The Vitara is different to the SJ in that the SJ has a circlip right at the end of the drive shaft (outside the inner part of the F/W hub), the Vitara has its circlip fitted next to the stub axle and the freewheeling hub slides on afterwards.

My problem is that between the circlip and the stub axle is a washer (I presume that the washer is meant to be there) this washer pushes the circlip out too far to allow the freewheeling hub to fit on.  I have removed this washer, re-fitted the circlip and the freewheeling hub then fits.

Is it OK to run without this washer?  Which means that the circlip is rubbing against the stub axle (the circlip is the only thing stopping the drive shaft from falling out!!)

I have looked on a mates Vitara (not fitted with freewheeling hubs) and he doesn't have a washer between the circlip and stub axle - but this does not seem right to me ? ? )

The arrow on the attached picture shows where the circlip and washer fit.

Very many thanks in advance :)

[Damon]

Anybody got any ideas? :)

[Evilgoat]

Not without taking mine apart. Have to do a CV joint before eastnor so I'll let you know if you dont have an answer by then.

[Damon]

Cheers :)

I'll wait patiently :)

Mine's away having the cage built at the moment and the front diff has just shattered so no hurry  :lol:  :)

[rollazuki]

From your description, I would say that the 'washer' is in fact an endfloat shim, and should control sidefloat of the shaft+cvjoint.
Since its an independant front suspension, and the driveshaft moves as the suspension cycles, I would say it would probably be OK missing, but maybe run it 5 miles than strip and check. After all Suzuki put it there for a reason......

[Damon]

Any news?

I've been giving this some thought and think I'll have to get a 2mm plate made to go between the hub and the freewheeling hub.

There is no space to grind anything off the freewheeling hub and I don't want to remove the thrust washer because this will allow crap into the rear of the hub  :(

[marjan]

My freewheeling hubs haven't got a washer behind the circlip.

[Damon]

My freewheeling hubs haven't got a washer behind the circlip.

Hmmmm, cheers for letting me know this :)  This is most confusing.

Do I dare run it without the thrust washer? :)  :(  :)