[ppch121001]

Hi Folks,

My name is Parikshit Chauhan, and this is my first post on Team-BHP.

I own a 2022 WagonR LXI CNG 1.0 K10C Dualjet. A few months back, my car hit a footpath at a speed of around 15–20 km/h, resulting in damage to the right-side tyre and rim. Fortunately, I have a Zero Depreciation Insurance policy from Maruti Suzuki. I raised a claim and got the repairs done under insurance. Luckily, the engine, radiator, and condenser were unaffected.

The Maruti Authorized Service Station (MASS) replaced the front bumper, radiator support, front tyre, and rim. (Nothing was touched on the suspension side.) I had to pay only ₹1180 after the claim settlement.

However, my happiness did not last long.

I drove the car for around 5,000–6,000 km over the next 5–6 months after the repair and started noticing a few issues:

When I turn the steering towards the left and release it, the steering self-centres normally.

However, when I turn it towards the right and release, it does not self-centre as it used to earlier.

I took the car to a wheel alignment shop. Upon inspection, they informed me that:

The camber on the right side has become negative.

The caster on the right side has also reduced slightly.

The alignment shop advised me to get the suspension checked.

I then took the car back to MASS, where they inspected and reported that the suspension is fine. However, I was not fully satisfied. So, I consulted a nearby FNG , where the mechanic advised me to replace the front lower arm and struts, claiming that it would resolve the issue.

Requesting guidance from fellow members:

Is replacing the front lower arm and struts the right approach?

Could there be any other hidden issues that I should check for?


Looking forward to your advice. Thank you!

[Nino]

Hi Parikshit,

I have some insights to share based on my experience.

My VW Polo had a similar issue where the steering would not centre itself leaving about a 40-50 degree of dead zone (if not more I do not remember) before me having to manually steer it back towards the centre. VW guys replaced my "right front control arm" under warranty and the issue was resolved.

Now coming to your concern,

Since you have driven 6000km after the incident without any issues, I highly doubt if this issue was a result of it.

Originally Posted by ppch121001

However, when I turn it towards the right and release, it does not self-centre as it used to earlier.

After a U-turn towards your right, does your steering wheel never try to re-center itself or it only re-center partially ?

In both cases suggest you to further get that checked and replacing the control arm may be fruitful as it was once in my case.

However, it is not a problem if the auto re-center is just off-center by about 20 to 30 degrees which is expected with time and age of the vehicle, and if the vehicle does not lean right or left while driving straight while keeping an eye on the right side tyre wear - you should be all good.

[ppch121001]

Thanks Nino for your inputs
Talking about steering re-centering after taking a U-turn towards right, the steering is not at all re-centering whereas if I perform the same thing on the left, it self re-centers at full speed.
Talking about tyre wear, there is no tyre wear observed as such.
I have already bought a pair of Maruti Genuine Lower Arms and Shock Absorbers because as seen in the pictures, the shocks are leaking and are a bit on harder side now.
Also I am changing both the lower arms as well due to this particular issue because the caster and camber of right side are disturbed.
When I consulted the FNG, he told me that to correct the caster and camber, suspension of both side must be changed in order to get zero-zero alignment.
Let's see what happens

[ppch121001]

Just Have a look at the parts purchased.
I have got both the Lower Arms(L & R), Struts(L & R) and both the Shocker Mounts.

[Nino]

Interesting and appreciate your enthusiasim and TLC you show towards your ride .
Keep us posted on how the outcome turns to be.

[ppch121001]

Finally the issue is resolved folks!

The following observations were made by me :
1. A minor bend in the front Left Lower Control Arm
2. A minor bend in the front Right Lower Control Arm
3. A minor bend in the front Right Strut

Parts Changed and Cost Breakup:
1. ARM ASSY,FRONT SUSPENSION,RH (₹1250)
2. ARM ASSY,FRONT SUSPENSION,LH (₹1250)
3. STRUT ASSY, FRONT SPNSN LH (₹1750)
4. STRUT ASSY, FRONT SPNSN RH (₹1750)
5. SUPPORT, FRONT STRUT i.e Shock Absorber Mounts (₹350x2 = ₹700)
6. MOUNT, FR STAB BAR i.e Jumping Rod Bushes(₹40x2 = ₹80)

These parts were purchased by me from MGP Outlet and repairs were done at a well reputed FNG in my area.

Labour Cost :
1. Both Struts(₹400x2 = ₹800)
2. Both Lower Control Arms(₹200x2 = ₹400)
3. Wheel Alignment and Balancing (₹450)

Total Labour Cost : ₹1650
Total Amount for Repairs : ₹8430

Talking about the alignment part, the alignment figures of the car are now in the accurate limits!
Both Camber and Caster are now restored to their factory settings.

Also talking about the ride and feel of the car, the steering accuracy has improved a lot and the steering re-centering has been restored now.

I am attaching the photos of the old parts as well as the alignment specifications!

Thanks for your inputs everyone!

Alignment Figures :

Toe Readings :

Lower Arms :
NOTE : The Black-Circled part is the bent area



Struts :

[zeng]

Honestly, I'm rather 'surprised' at your feedback on the desirable outcome IF the front and rear wheel alignment numbers of your previous Post#31 are accurate to begin with.

Do you have the final rear alignment numbers from the latest shop and share with us?


Edit: Btw, congratulations.

[ppch121001]

Originally Posted by zeng

Honestly, I'm rather 'surprised' at your feedback on the desirable outcome IF the front and rear wheel alignment numbers of your previous Post#31 are accurate to begin with.

Do you have the final rear alignment numbers from the latest shop and share with us?


Edit: Btw, congratulations.

Thanks zeng!
Sorry but I am now having the rear axle data at present.
What I remember is that it was exactly same for both the rear left and right wheel.
Let me remove your confusion.
The alignment figures shown in Post#31 2nd Picture having a paper with Bridgestone written on bottom left are the figures post accident and are in accurate.
You can refer to the Front Axle: Camber, Caster and SAI data.
Now compare the data for both the Left and the Right wheel.
You will see the variation in the data due to the incident that happened with my car.
That I already explained in Post#31.

Now, coming to Post#36, in the pic below Alignment Figures, you can refer to the the data under Adjustment Column for the same.
You will notice that the figures are now almost 100% accurate!

I drove the car with many problems for last 6 months and almost 6000Kms.
MASS as well as many other FNG's told me to drive the car like this only.
After doing research for days, going to multiple service and alignment stations, finally I was able to resolve the issue!

MORAL OF THE STORY
All of these repairs were supposed to be done under insurance by MASS.
They told me that sir, alignment of the car is totally fine and your suspension is totally fine. We have inspected it thoroughly.
But now when I took the matter in my hands, this is what came out as a result.
See how negligent and irresponsible they are.

Nevertheless, if the end is good, then everything is good!

[zeng]

Ahhhh... so the 'Bridgestone' alignment report was inaccurate to begin with.

Thanks for the feedback btw.