[adityasiera]

Originally Posted by sridhar-v

Congrats.
Steering fluid change may do the trick to loosen up the steering. And new tyres.
A/C issues can be due to compressor clutch or leak in the pipes. Both are easily repairable by a local AC mechanic.
When changing the suspension refer to my posts re changing the full strut assly. particularly the brackets on top.
My views on changing the AT oil are well known. Do that when you change all the fluids.

Sir thank you. I have replaced all fluids thru a known mechanic before picking up the car.

Will do the Steering Fluid replacement again after a few days. Seems like the steering is getting better with every KM.

A/C - M.A.S.S said that the compressor doesn't engage when turning the A/C on and suggested to replace the compressor (54K). Will take it to a neighborhood A/C mechanic tomorrow.

Suspension - M.A.S.S guys put the car on Ramp and said suspension is fine no need to replace, but i still feel that the 12 year old struts, though not leaking, have reached end of life. Will consider placing and order thru either Maruti Suzuki or via Boodmo.

Front Windshield - Has lots of swirl marks making after dark drives difficult. Need to source a new one.

Rest all seems to be pretty good.

Also installed a Pioneer Double Din Android Auto compatible audio system. Makes my driving much more pleasurable.


Edit Off-Topic

Whoa!! This is the first post on the 100th page. It seems like more and more people are relieving their "reclaim your life moments" and picking up the GV's that we couldn't when it was on sale.

[vigsom]

Originally Posted by adityasiera

Will do the Steering Fluid replacement again after a few days.

You mentioned that you've changed your tyres; that itself should have made an impact on smoothening the steering.

Didn't you feel a huge change for the better in the steering after tyres replacement?

Changing power steering oil again is not going to improve matters.

I am assuming the fluid was replaced right with several turns lock to lock to remove trapped air(if any).

With the steering at full lock left or right, do you hear a grinding noise from the power steering pump? If no, don't bother.

Drive another GV to get a feel of how "tight" the steering actually is.

Originally Posted by adityasiera

A/C - M.A.S.S said that the compressor doesn't engage when turning the A/C on

Either the clutch coil has gone dead OR the refrigerant charge is ultra low.

If the clutch coil has gone kaput, you'll need to change the whole set viz.compressor clutch disc, coil and pulley. The coil can be reconditioned if the pulley and disc aren't a victim of scoring marks.

Your AC technician should be able to advise.

Originally Posted by adityasiera

Front Windshield - Has lots of swirl marks making after dark drives difficult. Need to source a new one.

Windscreen buffing services are available for anywhere between 1200 and 1500 bucks. Results are good.

I've done swirl marks removal on my Grand Vitara with astounding results.

Is your car an MT or AT?

[adityasiera]

Originally Posted by vigsom

You mentioned that you've changed your tyres; that itself should have made an impact on smoothening the steering.

I am assuming the fluid was replaced right with several turns lock to lock to remove trapped air(if any).

With the steering at full lock left or right, do you hear a grinding noise from the power steering pump? If no, don't bother.

Your AC technician should be able to advise.

Windscreen buffing services are available for anywhere between 1200 and 1500 bucks. Results are good.

I've done swirl marks removal on my Grand Vitara with astounding results.

Is your car an MT or AT?

The steering feel seems to improve with every passing kilometer. I am not sure about the lock to lock turns to remove trapped air. I also dont notice any grinding noise whatsoever (yet) will try again tomorrow and update.

Waiting for the A/C technician and at the same time tapping some known contacts for salvaged parts for the compressor.

Swirl marks removal is a great idea. Any pointers in bangalore ?

My car is AT.

[sridhar-v]

Originally Posted by adityasiera

The steering feel seems to improve with every passing kilometer.
Swirl marks removal is a great idea. Any pointers in bangalore ?
My car is AT.

The basic reason you feel the steering is heavy is because it is hydraulic. Anybody shifting from a car with electric power steering will feel the GV's steering is heavy. That is the nature of the beast.

Before removing the swirl marks get the inside and outside of the glass degreased. Also ensure that the buffing is done in steps as the glass does get heated a lot with aggressive buffing.
I did the buffing in 2 stages as I was getting a lot of smearing in the rains. And I have a 20% solution of IsoPropyl alcohol which I use to clean the glass regularly in the rains.

[adityasiera]

Originally Posted by sridhar-v

The basic reason you feel the steering is heavy is because it is hydraulic. Anybody shifting from a car with electric power steering will feel the GV's steering is heavy. That is the nature of the beast.

Before removing the swirl marks get the inside and outside of the glass degreased. Also ensure that the buffing is done in steps as the glass does get heated a lot with aggressive buffing.
I did the buffing in 2 stages as I was getting a lot of smearing in the rains. And I have a 20% solution of IsoPropyl alcohol which I use to clean the glass regularly in the rains.

Thank you sir. I also feel the PS is heavy by nature. Nothing unusual to report. It is just a matter of getting used to it.

I have an appointment for next week for the swirl marks removal. I will post the results of before and after.

[spgv]

Originally Posted by adityasiera

Sir thank you.
Also installed a Pioneer Double Din Android Auto compatible audio system. Makes my driving much more pleasurable.
It seems like more and more people are relieving their "reclaim your life moments" and picking up the GV's that we couldn't when it was on sale.

Please share some details of that Pioneer HU and its installation.

[adityasiera]

Originally Posted by spgv

Please share some details of that Pioneer HU and its installation.

The head unit change has transformed the car. From sounding feeble to awesome in one go.
Best part is that the steering controls work, and mic/google assistant work like a charm.

Things you will need

1. Head Unit https://amzn.to/2PUBq49

2. Head unit finisher kit / Fascia panel https://amzn.to/2Y8M5fX
The one person who had it in BLR was quoting 4.8K, so we ordered from Amazon.

3. Generic Suzuki signal converter plug (available locally)

The whole install took about 1 hour including installation of the rear camera. The front camera is in back order.


Total Cost was 25K including installation and rear camera hardware. Installation was done at Edge Car Accessories in HSR, Bangalore.

[Klub Class]

A quick query :

For power steering, owner's manual recommends ATF equivalent to DEXRON II or DEXRON III. I couldn't find one in the Maruti Ecstar oil brochure.

How many litres should I get for power steering fluid replacement? Any product recommendations?

Gulfstar ATF which meets Dexron III H is available for Rs 316 on Amazon. Is it okay to use?

Thank you

[Traveler]

Bosch Power Steering is DEXRON II. I had confirmed this with Bosch over email when I wanted to replace the oil in my Pajero.

[adityasiera]

Update on my GV

Finished the following

1. Full Underbody skid plate using AL chequered plate - Cost 9500
2. Baja Designs S1 LEDs integrated in the front bumper - Cost 18K
3. Added Lucas Oil transmission oil as recommended by Sridhar Sir
4. Added Lucas Oil power steering fluid

Next Steps
1. The skid plates vibe at 900 RPM. Need to install PU bushings
2. Water pump is showing signs of weakness. Ordered via maruti. To be done next week.

Some pics

[Traveler]

The skid plate is a good idea, however please ensure adequate ventilation too. In the current setup I can see the underbody completely sealed off. This could cause the transmission, engine and exhaust systems to overheat.

In OEM skid plates that I have seen there are usually cutouts to ensure proper ventilation.

[sridhar-v]

Please do share the details of the skid plates:-
Do you have any drawings or shetches?
Or was it made in situ by somebody?
And how much time did it take?
With my crazy driving, hopefully after lockdown ends, a skid plate is a must!

[vigsom]

Originally Posted by adityasiera

Full Underbody skid plate using AL chequered plate - Cost 9500

Originally Posted by sridhar-v

Please do share the details of the skid plates

Adding thread by @Samurai for reference

https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/4x4-t...id-plates.html (Grand Vitara gets custom made skid plates)

[Samurai]

Originally Posted by Traveler

The skid plate is a good idea, however please ensure adequate ventilation too. In the current setup I can see the underbody completely sealed off. This could cause the transmission, engine and exhaust systems to overheat.

True, in my Grand Vitara it has all the necessary cut-outs.

[adityasiera]

We live in the "Agile" world. This is just the first iteration. It will have slats cut out for venting.

Sridhar sir - once it is dismantled I will share the pics.