[DrGonzo]

Hi guys,

I've always had some trouble with the suspension and now I've decided to finally get it fixed. This time when I took it for the 80k major service, the service adviser said the clutch assembly would need to be replaced as well. I went to a local mechanic to get a second opinion and he parroted the same problems, adding a throttle body replacement as well (the car was slightly jerkier than usual and was breathing heavier as well, oscillating between 9.5 - 8 RPM occasionally).

The total setback is near 6 figures with the GST thrown in for effect. I was wondering if there was any merit getting parts from Sri Lanka/ Indonesia/ Bangkok.
Sometimes non OEM parts are available and they're usually better than stock. If anyone knows of any such, it would a huge help.

Currently, I'm looking at a full front suspension - Struts, Lower arm, linkages, Tie Rods, Linkages. Clutch plate, pressure plate, release bearing. Throttle Body.
I would like to fix the car as I can't find a replacement that's worthy or a 2.4 for sale. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[sridhar-v]

Originally Posted by DrGonzo

Hi guys,

I've always had some trouble with the suspension and now I've decided to finally get it fixed. This time when I took it for the 80k major service, the service adviser said the clutch assembly would need to be replaced as well. I went to a local mechanic to get a second opinion and he parroted the same problems, adding a throttle body replacement as well (the car was slightly jerkier than usual and was breathing heavier as well, oscillating between 9.5 - 8 RPM occasionally).

The total setback is near 6 figures with the GST thrown in for effect. I was wondering if there was any merit getting parts from Sri Lanka/ Indonesia/ Bangkok.
Sometimes non OEM parts are available and they're usually better than stock. If anyone knows of any such, it would a huge help.

Currently, I'm looking at a full front suspension - Struts, Lower arm, linkages, Tie Rods, Linkages. Clutch plate, pressure plate, release bearing. Throttle Body.
I would like to fix the car as I can't find a replacement that's worthy or a 2.4 for sale. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Let me share my experiences.

The GV is a pretty rare vehicle. So unless your FNG specialises in imported vehicles I would prefer to go with the diagnosis of your MASS.

1. A dirty throttle body can create jerky and hesitant low speed running. So just try getting it cleaned before replacing it.

2. Iridium spark plugs are highly recommended. IFR5J11. They are worth the extra money.

3. My steering linkages were shot, so we landed up replacing all the ball joints.

It. #2 Tie Rod, It#7 Tie Rod End will need to be changed if there is play in the joints of these elements. It may be a good idea to change the boots if they are cut.

4. The front Antiroll Bar is also a source of lots of noise.

It#2 Bush FR Stabiliser Mount is always worn out.
It#5 Joint, Stab Ball is also normally worn out.

5. Regarding the clutch

Normally the Clutch Disc, Pressure Plate and bearing cum cylinder need to be changed as a set.

6. Also change the Engine Belt along with the Idler and Tensioner Pulleys while you are at it.

7. If you do not want a lift in ride height you can either go with stock or KYB shocks. Also replace the coil springs as they tend to become soft.

If you want a lift I would suggest OME kit with 20mm lift.

8. As far as the front lower arms are concerned they are a weak point. Either change the whole unit or only replace the bushings if you know anybody who knows how to do it.

9. Check your front transfer case oil seal. It normally has a slow leak and could cause serious problems if left unattended.
http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/long-t...ml#post4347941

[DrGonzo]

Originally Posted by sridhar-v

Let me share my experiences.

The GV is a pretty rare vehicle. So unless your FNG specialises in imported vehicles I would prefer to go with the diagnosis of your MASS.

1. A dirty throttle body can create jerky and hesitant low speed running. So just try getting it cleaned before replacing it.

...

Thanks Sridhar. This will be of great help! I will keep you posted how I go ahead with this. I'm interested in the OME suspension. Do you have any leads on that? Any dealer information?

[sridhar-v]

Originally Posted by DrGonzo

Thanks Sridhar. This will be of great help! I will keep you posted how I go ahead with this. I'm interested in the OME suspension. Do you have any leads on that? Any dealer information?

Sorry for the delay in replying. The computer room was being painted and hence I did not visit this forum.

See these posts first:-

http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/long-t...ml#post4264606

http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/long-t...ml#post4265035

http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/long-t...ml#post4267026

And here are the part nos and prices:
http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/long-t...ml#post4273752

The other source is :http://everything4wd.in

[DrGonzo]

Originally Posted by

The other source is :[URL

http://everything4wd.in[/url]

Thanks again Sridhar. I spoke to the guys at 4X4offroad and they have an OME kit. The price is 73k + shipping to Bombay. I think this upgrade will have to wait for a little while.
I went to MASS today and got my usual service adviser. We placed an order for spark plugs, ignition coil, tie rod ends, lower arms, bushes and strut assembly. I hope the suspension problem gets rectified after this. I need to get a set of tyres as well once the suspension is done. So, overall the setback is just under six figures for now.
I was in a dilemma whether to sell the car or not. But thankfully todays trip made the decision easier.
A whole lot needs to change on the car but it will be a gradual process.

[sridhar-v]

Originally Posted by DrGonzo

Thanks again Sridhar. I spoke to the guys at 4X4offroad and they have an OME kit. The price is 73k + shipping to Bombay. I think this upgrade will have to wait for a little while.
I went to MASS today and got my usual service adviser. We placed an order for spark plugs, ignition coil, tie rod ends, lower arms, bushes and strut assembly. I hope the suspension problem gets rectified after this. I need to get a set of tyres as well once the suspension is done. So, overall the setback is just under six figures for now.
I was in a dilemma whether to sell the car or not. But thankfully todays trip made the decision easier.
A whole lot needs to change on the car but it will be a gradual process.

The Grand Vitara is a capable car. And it can run with shot suspensions without too much of issues.
So schedule your repairs as per funds availability.
And take it on bad roads pronto. You won't regret buying the car or spending something extra on the repairs.

[Manoj Biswas]

Originally Posted by sudev

Yes. This was apparently the culprit. The seizure of this led to idler bearing getting high load and while it did not seize the bearing was on its way to failure.

Thanks for this info Sudev. I got mine checked too but thankfully it was ok.

Now I have an extra pair of Tensioner and Idler pulleys had placed an order with Motorcraft and the nearest MASS in Mandi got the pulleys for me too! So if anyone wants an Idler and/or Tensioner Pulley for the 2.0, please let me know

The fan belt was procured from Khan Market and couriered to me, just as info

[Jaggu]

Originally Posted by sridhar-v

In October 2015 I changed the AT gearbox oil at 74716 kms. A total of 3 liters was changed.
====
My Santro is of 2008 vintage, has done 60k kms and has not had an AT box oil change till date. So I will now get its oil changed pronto.

So our santro at 69,000 kms decided to pack up the gearbox and almost had to sell the car at junk price. I had requested Hyundai multiple times but they just did not listen to oil change request and i think the 15 year old oil would have contributed to the failure.

So i don't want to take a chance with GV, at 10 years and 50,000 kms i think it is a good time to do a change. Though the manual says some 1.6 lakhs, oils do age and low mileage is more damaging with shorter rides.

Have ordered Mobil ATF 3309 3 liter, just a regular change and then see if i need to do a further clean up or not.

Originally Posted by sridhar-v

I got delivery of the Lucas transmission Fix Oil in the last week of November.
Attachment 1704266

It is a total of about 720mm (24oz). I used up about 500ml to top up the AT gearbox. Since then the vehicle has done about 200 kms. Of this about 100 kms was highway driving and the rest was city drives.
====
2. If this does not completely solve the problem then I will have to get the gearbox opened and have the solenoids cleaned. At that time I will also change the inbuilt oil filter.
.

Any update after this?

[sridhar-v]

Originally Posted by Jaggu

So i don't want to take a chance with GV, at 10 years and 50,000 kms i think it is a good time to do a change. Though the manual says some 1.6 lakhs, oils do age and low mileage is more damaging with shorter rides.

Have ordered Mobil ATF 3309 3 liter, just a regular change and then see if i need to do a further clean up or not.
Any update after this?

10 years is the outside limit for life of any oil. So do change the oil.

I had done a 2400 kms trip in February. The AT box exhibited random harsh shifting from 1st to 2nd. Overall the harshness is at 10-15% of what it was before I had added the Lucas Transmission Fix.

I had planned to open the AT box oil pan and do a cleaning of the valve body.
I listed, from "partsouq.com", all the gaskets, o-rings and other change items that would be required for the same. My SA checked up the part nos on MASS system and said none of them match. And he was not at all confident of doing the job. So I have currently abandoned that plan. I may just go in for one more round of oil change and add some more Lucas Transmission fix.

I am planning, by end April, to add "Lubegard 61910 Highly Modified Friction ATF supplement" to my Santro AT box. Let me see how that performs.

[Samurai]

My Grand Vitara gear oil was changed at 40K & 70K. Somehow overlooked after that. Last month I got it replaced at 125K.

The service cost a 125K came to around ₹12K. Most of the cost was oil.

[Jaggu]

Originally Posted by Samurai

My Grand Vitara gear oil was changed at 40K & 70K. Somehow overlooked after that. Last month I got it replaced at 125K.

Differential and Transfer case oils you have changed in between? I replaced them when i got the car and front diff oil was quiet bad. Worth a check.

[Jaggu]

Originally Posted by sridhar-v

10 years is the outside limit for life of any oil. So do change the oil.

Thanks and i realized that i had overlooked a very important matter with respect to Automatic Transmission Oil change.

The replacement chart under normal operation says it is way above 1 lakh km mark, (165000 kms). But there is a separate maintenance section in the manual, which says "under severe driving conditions" including, short trips etc it is advised to replace the ATF at 30,000 kms or 24 months! This somehow the workshops have been overlooking and explains why the oil was turning brown. Inspected another car this weekend and it had same issue at 61,000 km mark, much worse than my car.

In short, folks with AT box do order the ATF fluids if your cars have done more than 30,000 kms since last change.

[spgv]

Hello
Recently i noticed my GV making a clicking sound when the car is standing still and i engage gear(clutch fully depressed). I suspected the rear propeller shaft and its components. However on inspection at MASS i was told that the rear Differential bushings are worn and the sound is a result of that and there are 4 of these Bushings. I was told that i still have time to address this no immediate action required and fixing this one is going to be pretty expensive. Has anyone experienced similar issue and shed some light on what exactly is it.

[sudev]

Originally Posted by spgv

Hello
Recently i noticed my GV making a clicking sound when the car is standing still and i engage gear(clutch fully depressed). I suspected the rear propeller shaft and its components. However on inspection at MASS i was told that the rear Differential bushings are worn and the sound is a result of that and there are 4 of these Bushings. I was told that i still have time to address this no immediate action required and fixing this one is going to be pretty expensive. Has anyone experienced similar issue and shed some light on what exactly is it.

Clicking??? First for me. Can you describe more? Whats the odo reading at?

[spgv]

Originally Posted by sudev

Clicking??? First for me. Can you describe more? Whats the odo reading at?

Thanks for the reply.
The ODO reads 109834. It is more like a Clank, i further observed that the sound is audible even when driving. Example: if i let the car roll in neutral at 10kmph and slot 2nd then the sound is audible. The sound of it itself doesn't seem to be anything sinister but the mechanic says that when the gear is slotted the complete differential body moves(rotates/twists) a bit first due to worn bushings and this causes the sound. Unfortunately i couldn't manage to be there at workshop in time, to see that happen, reached only at time of delivery.
Mean while in my quest i found this video on youtube(

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=toLEywrVotU

) which may be a near approximation to the problem i am describing.

Now i will take the car once again to MASS and make a video myself.