30,000Kms – 6th Service – Paid @ Kropex Chevrolet – 08/02/2014 - 22042 KMS Done
I missed my 25,000kms Service which was due in Oct 2013. I was busy juggling between being a new parent and planning to change workplace. In all the chaos, I forgot to service my Green Bolt, intentionally. Finally the 30,000kms service was coming up in March 2014. But the car was not in a position to wait for another 1 month. Below are the list of issues I was facing.
Issues Faced:
- 1st to 2nd Gear - The shift had become very short. I had to immediately switch to 2nd gear at a speed of less that 20kmph, else the RPM shoots to almost 3k !! I noticed that the RPM hovers around 3k+ at just a speed of 75kmph !! This seemed abnormal !!
- 2nd to 3rd Gear - The infamous problem of pick up. So can't really comment on how bad my car was.
- 3rd to 4th Gear - I had to push the RPM to atleast 3k, and then shift to 4th. Else, there used to be a terrible ring sound that came when I pressed the accelerator.
I had reported this ring sound to my SA during the 20k service and he said that I was releasing the clutch too soon and wanted me to ride the clutch for a few fraction of seconds more before releasing it completely. I was not convinced, but then lived with it. Now the ring sound during each gear shift had become very loud and annoying.
I had been using FuelLog app on my Android device to record mileage of my car. The results were highly unsatisfactory.
I had been getting an average of 14kmph without AC.
I drive in B'lore, so unless I pass through very dusty area, I don't use AC. The weather helps maintain the coolness in the cabin. I leave a very small gap while my windows are rolled up.
At the same time the suspension had given up. There was no more that "phus-phus" effect when I went over potholes. Instead there was this loud thud and the whole car used to shake violently !!
These were some of the major problems, apart from the regular ones like brakes, etc.
Apoointment with Kropex Chevrolet and Service Details:
Booked an appointment with Kropex Chevrolet at their Singasandra outlet at 9:00 AM. Went there at 9:30 AM. There were lots and lots of new faces. Infact, I did not see one single old face. All those old junk and incompetent fellows were sent to Kropex Service @ Marathalli.
Made the SA do a test drive and acknowledge the problems. Estimate given was around 5k. The new guys seemed pretty much quick and dedicated. The SA said that some bigshot of Kropex group had come. Some lady, I forgot the name. May be I had good luck with Kropex this time. I gave the car and went back home by bus.
Had lunch and was about to get down for a short nap. Around 3PM, I get a call from the SA, saying that they have to dis-assemble the Gear Box to identify the cause of the ring sound. He said that most likely the Clutch Plate had worn out. I was in shock and asked him to not touch anything till I arrive. I reached the service center at around 4PM.
I called up fellow Beat BHPian
Salbin and asked for advice. He was shocked as to why they wanted to open the gearbox. Salbin said that they may have to de-mount the gearbox so that the clutch plate can be seen. I checked this with the SA, and after a long discussion he re-phrased his statement and said that they have to only remove the gearbox from its location. I stood there watching the removal of the gearbox. In the meanwhile salbin said that he had some work at Kropex and was on his way. It took a good 1.5 hrs to remove the gearbox. It was around 6PM.
Salbin and me analysed the clutchplate, flywheel and the release bearing. I was a newbie in these things. Salbin suggested that they look fine and there was no un-natural or even natural wear and tear. The plates were looking absolutely fine. The SA called upon the Warranty Manager to have a look at the scene. The warranty manager initially said that he won't be able to replace the parts under warranty. But then the SA and the Warranty Manager had another round of inspection and discussion and decided that they would replace all the neccessary parts under warranty. I was relieved.
The parts replaced under warranty were:
- Clutch Plate
- Pressure Plate
- Release Bearing
- Clutch Cable
It was almost 6:30 PM by the time these things were replaced. Integrating the gear assembly into the car would take another 1.5 hrs. So they asked me to leave the car and pick it up on Monday - 10th Feb.
I left for the day and.....
my Samung Galaxy Grand Duos mobile phone was stolen from my pocket in a crowded bus while coming back home.
HERE are the details.
Net Analysis for the day - I saved around 12k on the parts for the car, I lost my 18k mobile.
Apart from this major issue with the clutch plate, regular service was carried out.
Received the car on Monday, 10th Feb, around 3PM. The car drives like a butter now !! Super smooth, gears are much smoother, no ring sound at low RPMs'.
Pending job from my end to take care of the entire service - Get a Wheel Alignment and Balancing done ASAP. Will take it to
Madhus as soon as I get some free time.
Expenses for the 30,000Kms Service.
Total Amount Paid:
Rs.5896 Break Up of Expenses:
Clutch Release Bearing: Rs.0.0
Clutch Cable Assembly: Rs0.0
Clutch Plate: Rs0.0
Pressure Plate: Rs0.0
Clutch/Brake Oil (500ml): Rs.206.55
Engine Oil - 5W30 (Rs.293.45 x 3.75litres): Rs.1100.44
Washer Fluid (1litre): Rs.17.47
Air Filter: Rs.441.05
Fuel Filter: Rs.275.11
Oil Filter: Rs.116.16
Spark Plug (4 nos.): Rs.79.48x4 = Rs.317.90
Screen Wash: Rs.34.93
ELEMENT ASM A CL LH (No wonder what this is): Rs.200.87
Paid Service: Rs.1175
Both Front Brakes Cleaning: Rs.425.00
Both Rear Brakes Cleaning: Rs.485.00
Consumables: Rs.400
Spare: 14.50% on Rs.1368.56 = Rs.198.44
Oil: 14.50% on Rs.1306.99 = Rs.189.51
Accessory: 14.49% on Rs.34.93 = Rs.5.06
A Stolen Mobile Phone: Rs.18,000 (approx).
A few pictures I had clicked and shared with Team-BHP WhatsApp group before losing my cellphone.
Clutch Plate:
Flywheel:
Clutch Plate:
Clutch Plate: 