Parts for your 1987 Suzuki Swift-Cv joint

1987 Suzuki Swift CV Joint — What It Does and How to Look After It

According to the Suzuki Swift (SA/MA) factory workshop manual and period parts catalogues for the 1983–1989 models, as well as general repair guides such as the Haynes manual covering early Swift/Cultus/Geo Metro platforms, the 1987 Suzuki Swift is a front‑wheel‑drive car that uses constant‑velocity (CV) joints on its front drive shafts. The front axles feature an outer ball‑type CV joint (to handle steering angles) and an inner tripod/double‑offset joint (to cope with suspension travel), so CV joints are absolutely relevant to this model.

On this car, the CV joint’s job is to deliver smooth, constant power from the transaxle to the front wheels while the suspension moves and the wheels steer. The outer joint allows big steering angles without vibration, while the inner joint manages in‑and‑out movement as the suspension compresses and rebounds. When everything’s healthy, the Swift feels tidy on turn‑in and steady under acceleration.

Routine servicing should always include a look at the CV boots. Those rubber boots keep special moly CV grease in and water and grit out. Once a boot cracks or a clamp loosens, grease gets flung around the wheel well and the joint can wear quickly. Catch a split boot early and a new boot kit with fresh grease will usually save the joint. Leave it too long and clicking on full lock, shudder on take‑off, or vibration under load will follow, which often means replacing the joint or complete shaft.

• Inspect CV boots at each service or about every 10,000 km.
• Look for grease spray, perished rubber, or loose clamps.
• Listen for a rhythmic click on hard turns (outer joint) and feel for acceleration vibration (inner joint).

When replacement’s needed, many workshops fit a complete shaft for convenience, but quality individual joints and boot kits are available. Always match spline counts and lengths to the Swift’s engine/gearbox variant, use the correct CV grease, and replace the hub nut, split pin, and clamps. After refitting, make sure the axle seats fully in the gearbox to avoid oil leaks, and check transaxle oil level. A quick road test with a few tight circles in an empty carpark is a good way to confirm the fix.

Popular questions about 1987 Suzuki Swift CV joints

Does a 1987 Suzuki Swift use CV joints, and where are they fitted?
Yes. The common 1987 Swift is front‑wheel drive and uses CV joints on the front drive shafts—an outer joint at each wheel and an inner joint at the transaxle. The rear axle is a beam without CVs. Rare 4WD variants (market‑dependent) use additional CVs at the rear.

How long should the CV joints last on an old Swift?
With intact boots and the right grease, they can run well past 150,000 km. Once a boot splits and lets in water or dirt, wear accelerates and failure can happen in a few thousand kilometres, so early boot replacement is key.

Is it better to replace the boot, the joint, or the whole shaft?
If the joint is quiet and play‑free, a new boot and grease is fine. If there’s clicking or visible wear, replace the affected joint—or the entire shaft if cost or time makes that simpler. Many choose complete shafts for reliability and speed.