[Ketan]

Hey Guys,

posting on behalf of my friend who's just got the membership but waiting on activation it seems. Vehicle brakes jamming is the most serious issue at this point and he's thinking of resolving that on priority while this is his daily drive.
================
I own a Mahindra Thar, 4x4, 2015 model. I am not very informed or knowledgeable about vehicles. I am not an off roader or a great travel freak but was always fascinated about a Jeep and hence got the Thar. I use this as my daily car and for all my long drives, whenever I get a chance. I love this vehicle and want to retain it. I know this is not like any top end car available at the same price and it does have its share of nagging issues, which I am fine with. However there are some issues that just continue to exist for quite some time, and I want to make sure I address these, so that I can continue to use this as my primary vehicle.

I am looking for a good Thar mechanic who can help me with a few issues I currently have, and also with my future ongoing service and maintenance. I live around the Old Madras Road area, close to the KR Puram Railway station, Bangalore, and am looking for a good and reliable repair/service garage for my Mahindra Thar 4x4, 2015 model. Although I would prefer them to be located somewhere close to my residence, I would definitely not mind traveling some bit to get the best job done. I would like to get some of the below repairs done on high priority. Here is a list of all the issues in the order of priority:

1. Brakes getting Jammed: Every time it rains or the vehicle gets washed or somehow gets in contact with water for a long time I end up with this issue.
- Brakes are very jerky
- Once I apply brakes forcefully, (not too forceful either), they are jammed.
- The vehicle just suddenly stops screeching and skidding, and just won’t move after that. Completely stuck.
- I need to pump the pedal quite a few times, before the vehicle can even budge a bit. I am not sure if the pumping is what is releasing it, or it just needs a few seconds time to release, and pumping it is just a coincidence.
- This is becoming a serious problem, every time the vehicle gets drenched or comes in contact with water for a long time.
- Just to let you know, as I do not have a shaded parking option, vehicle is parked outside every day, and so it goes through the weather as much.
- I had got the "brake upgrade" done by New Mars Automobiles in Hyderabad almost a couple of years back. Not sure if this is contributing.

2. Soft Top Leaks:
- One near the center of the B Pillar
- One at the rear

3. Are there more options for the soft top that I can explore?

4. While it is raining or pretty cold outside, and when I use AC, I see that the AC vents are all very damp and drip water. Any ideas what is the issue and how can I fix it?

5. Again while it is raining or pretty cold outside, and when I use AC, I see moist patches on the windshield in alignment to the vents on the dash board area. Why is this and how can I avoid it? When the Thar was delivered initially, these vents came sealed with a sheet of thin plastic. is this why? and should I seal them back? If yes, then how would I get the air on to the windshield?

6. There was a lot of rattling on the rear door and I realized it was because of the weight of the spare wheel on the rear door. Once I removed the bracket and the spare wheel from the rear door, the rattling has completely stopped. Is there any other alternative for placing the spare wheel? As of now it is inside the vehicle.

7. My fuel gauge. this seems to be pretty inconsistent in the reading of the fuel. Even a full tank of fuel shows up as half or none sometimes, and sometimes just shows as if the tank is full, sometimes it just is as if it is not working at all.

8. I did get it serviced with the Mahindra authorized centers a couple of times with mention of most of the above issues, but they have done nothing about it.

Please help!!

[shivshanker]

Originally Posted by desertfox

Best done at an ASC for the roadside mechanics have little experience with Thar. The problem is propably the tie rod end. If not then the shims in the wheel. Get a senior mechanic from Mahindra ASC to test drive and pin point the exact problem.

Hello Desert Fox,

Did you manage to get your porblem fixed with the steering rattle, I am still struggling.

any tips would greatly help

[desertfox]

Got it fixed long ago within a few days of that post. The problem was with the tie rod bush and adjustment.

Since then a lot of skill development has happened here at the Gurgaon ASC. These guys have become experts with thar issues. One test drive and the problem is solved. The issue is parts. Poor inventory management.

[desertfox]

Originally Posted by Ketan

Hey Guys,

posting on behalf of my friend who's just got the membership but waiting on activation it seems. vehicle brakes jamming is the most serious issue at this point and he's thinking of resolving that on priority while this is his daily drive.
================
I own a Mahindra Thar, 4x4, 2015 model. I am not very informed or knowledgeable about vehicles. I am not an off roader or a great travel freak but was always fascinated about a Jeep and hence got the Thar. I use this as my daily car and for all my long drives, whenever I get a chance. I love this vehicle and want to retain it. I know this is not like any top end car available at the same price and it does have its share of nagging issues, which I am fine with. However there are some issues that just continues to exist for quite some time, and I want to make sure I address these, so that I can continue to use this as my primary vehicle.

I am looking for a good Thar mechanic who can help me with a few issues I currently have, and also with my future ongoing service and maintenance. I live around the Old Madras Road area, close to the KR Puram Railway station, Bangalore, and am looking for a good and reliable repair/service garage my Mahindra Thar 4x4, 2015 model... Although I would prefer them to be located somewhere close to my residence, I would definitely not mind traveling some bit to get the best job done… I would like to get some of the below repairs done on high priority... Here is a list of all the issues in the order of priority:

1. Breaks getting Jammed: Every time it rains or the vehicle gets washed or somehow gets in contact with water for a long time I end up with this issue.
- Breaks are very jerky
- Once i apply brakes forcefully, (not too forceful either), they are jammed..
- The vehicle just suddenly stops screeching and skidding, and just won’t move after that. Completely stuck...
- I need to pump the pedal quite a few times, before the vehicle can even budge a bit.. I am not sure if the pumping is what is releasing it, or it just needs a few seconds time to release, and pumping it is just a coincidence...
- This is becoming a serious problem, every time the vehicle gets drenched or comes in contact with water for a long time...
- Just to let you know, as I do not have a shaded parking option, vehicle is parked outside every day, and so it goes through the weather as much...
- I had got the "brake upgrade" done by New Mars Automobiles in Hyderabad almost a couple of years back. Not sure if this is contributing..

2. Soft Top Leaks:
- One near the center of the B Pillar
- One at the rear

3. Are there more options for the soft top that I can explore?

4. While it is raining or pretty cold outside, and when I use AC, I see that the AC vents are all very damp and drip water.. Any ideas what is the issue and how can I fix it?

5. Again while it is raining or pretty cold outside, and when I use AC, I see moist patches on the windshield in alignment to the vents on the dash board area.. Why is this and how can I avoid it? When the Thar was delivered initially, these vents came sealed with a sheet of thin plastic.. is this why? and should I seal them back? If yes, then how would I get the air on to the windshield?

6. There was a lot of rattling on the rear door and I realized it was because of the weight of the spare wheel on the rear door.. Once I removed the bracket and the spare wheel from the rear door, the rattling has completely stopped. Is there any other alternative for placing the spare wheel? As of now it is inside the vehicle..

7. My fuel gauge... this seems to be pretty inconsistent in the reading of the fuel. Even a full tank of fuel shows up as half or none sometimes, and sometimes just shows as if the tank is full, sometimes it just is as if it is not working at all...

8. I did get it serviced with the Mahindra authorized centers a couple of times with mention of most of the above issues, but they have done nothing about it..

Please help!!

Since DB Sir is no more I will have to attempt helping you.

Go to a good ASC.

Get the breaks checked. Callipers spring drums and disk. Change pads / shoes if necessary. Also if any milling needs to be done for the disk / drum.
Ask them to drain and replace the brake fluid. Also check the tandem booster. Do you have the twin tandem booster installed ?
It was replaced free for all Thars. 2015 would come with a twin tandem booster. Get the master cylinder and wheel cylinder checked. Replace if necessary. Also check the capillary behing the alternator for leaks.

Canopy - Open the full canopy and check for tears. Get it repaired at a cobbler if any tears. Retension it and get is reinstalled avoiding any sagging pockets. Water should not accumulate on it.

This AC is a compromise. Much like a Bolero without a recirculation mode. These things are bound to happen in such a set up. At least you have an AC and heater in there.

Open the windows a bit when condensation happens. You have no other solution.

The Thars spare wheel mount is good. Usually it does not rattle. Check for loose studs / fastners on the mounting.

Also check the condition of the rubber liner on the tailgate. Replace if necessary.

Mahindra fuel gauges are inaccurate. For 120 KM the tank shows as full and then falls near 3/4 level. Be it Bolero, Thar or Scorpio all suffer from this problem.

Ask the ASC fellows to reset the float valve. Things will get better but not perfect.

DO let me know if there are other problems.

[somitra1981]

Originally Posted by cpbopanna

7. I have not modified any components of the suspension, the tyres are stock HT. But the brake booster and vacuum tank are from a Scorpio, I have added spacers to the rear wheels (to balance the wheel track difference between front and rear) and the tyres run on negative offset alloys.

Quick question, i plan to switch from OEM Bridgestones HT to Continentals AT on the OEM spec (235/70 R16) and retain the OEM steel wheels.

If i want to use spacers on the rear wheels to address the narrow rear track, do i need to adjust any other settings in the suspension / tire ? Does using spacers have any negative impacts from your experience ? Also can you please share the details / specs of the spacers you've used, thanks

Best,

Somitra

[cpbopanna]

Originally Posted by somitra1981

....
If i want to use spacers on the rear wheels to address the narrow rear track, do i need to adjust any other settings in the suspension / tire ? Does using spacers have any negative impacts from your experience ? Also can you please share the details / specs of the spacers you've used, thanks

Best,

Somitra

You may need to calibrate your LSPV settings after installing your spacers, please use an authorized and reputed service centre to do this. I have been using MS spacers (wheel adapters) for the past 3 years and the effect had only been positive!

[cpbopanna]

Originally Posted by cpbopanna

You may need to calibrate your LSPV settings after installing your spacers, please use an authorized and reputed service centre to do this. I have been using MS spacers (wheel adapters) for the past 3 years and the effect had only been positive!

Difference between front track (1,445 mm) and rear track (1,346 mm) = 99 mm = 3.8976" or 1.94881" per side

You need to install 2" wheel-adapters on either side!

[Living2Drive]

Originally Posted by cpbopanna

Difference between front track (1,445 mm) and rear track (1,346 mm) = 99 mm = 3.8976" or 1.94881" per side

You need to install 2" wheel-adapters on either side!

Hello cpbopanna, I want to get spacers fitted on my Thar as well (only rear), i'm also planning to swap my stock rubber with 255/65 R16 or 255/70 R16. Just wanted to know do you have stock tires with the spacers or have you upgraded. Did you have any interference issues.

[Jaggu]

Originally Posted by Living2Drive

i'm also planning to swap my stock rubber with 255/65 R16 or 255/70 R16. Just wanted to know do you have stock tires with the spacers or have you upgraded. Did you have any interference issues.

Rear you wont have any issues with or without spacers. But at front the tyre would rub the stabilizer bar at full cut. To avoid this you would need to go in for an offset wheel disc with wider tyres.

[cpbopanna]

Originally Posted by Living2Drive

Hello cpbopanna, I want to get spacers fitted on my Thar as well (only rear), i'm also planning to swap my stock rubber with 255/65 R16 or 255/70 R16. Just wanted to know do you have stock tires with the spacers or have you upgraded. Did you have any interference issues.

I have stuck to my stock tyres. I guess Jaggu has answered the rest of your queries!

[somitra1981]

Originally Posted by shivshanker

An update



Changed the Gear oil over the weekend, now the gear throws are butter smooth and evening during cold starts, I do not have the problem.

Guess, it is time to change the old riddle/joke from "How many engineers does it take to change a light bulb" to

"How many executives does it take at Mahindra's to change a the gear oil of a brand new vehicle".

DB Saab .. you simply rock!

I seem to be having the same problem. Engaging 1st is not smooth and reverse is a challenge at times.

My question being, that the gear oil
needs to be completely replaced irrespective of what is left in the reservoir i.e. do i need to just completely replace the gear oil and junk whatever is currently sitting in the vehicle.

[somitra1981]

Originally Posted by DHABHAR.BEHRAM

Dear Cherian - hello after a very long time. On the first day, change the radiator pressure cap and fill the system properly. On the second day in dead cold condition, remove the pressure cap, start the engine, refill the radiator and the surge tank as required, assemble the pressure cap and use the vehicle. On the third day, see if there is any coolant loss. If yes, then only go for next step, don't do anything hasty. By the way, if coolant is not there for refilling, normal water will do, but don't put well water.

Best regards,

Behram Dhabhar

Additionally, just checked on the famed coolant level and voila it's at half in the reservoir, within a month of usage.

Should i be trying out this solution from BD sir or there is another suggestion by Jaggu - on keeping the reservoir at half only and not to top up completely.

Welcome to the world of Thar for me

[(Alok)]

Experts,
I need a little help regarding greasing of steering (Thar di 4x4).

I am attaching here snap of particular page form Parts catalogue (STEERING TIE ROD) which is showing Grease Nipple 2 Nos (FIG No. 12.


I am also attaching the snap of Right
,

Middle


& Left


from vehicle but I am not able to locate the grease nipples. Please help to find out the same.

Will it really make steering easy after greasing?

[DirtyDan]

Have any of you Thar owners with MLD actually driven in substantial snow? Did you like the MLD or not for snow/ice?

[VTEC POWER]

Originally Posted by DirtyDan

Have any of you Thar owners with MLD actually driven in substantial snow? Did you like the MLD or not for snow/ice?

Hello,
Went to Spiti earlier this year, there wasn't substantial snow but just enough to use the chains so weren't going fast enough to let engage MLD. On regular roads mix with ice/black ice and slush patches, I deliberately stopped accelerating in advance to let it just glide over the patch. In ice, MLD will certainly make things go bad, as one wheel will slip causing other to rotate with a jerk. I knew the limitation so there were no issues.

Thanks