[lazybrain]

Originally Posted by footloose15

I have a wagon r that has done 39k kms and AC has started giving a hissing sound.Thanks,

Guys even my Wagon R makes the same hissing sound though the cooling is not affected. But the hissing sound is still prevailing since last more than 6 months or so. I showed it to M.A.S.S guys but they say its normal. In fact couple of months back they checked by inserting temperature probe in to the AC vents and cooling is normal. They informed me ultimately what matters is "normal cooling" (FYI- This hissing sound issue was never existing before). But the hissing sound is quite irritating and significant at times especially when i wait at the red signal with ICE OFF. Else, when ICE is ON i can afford to ignore the hissing sound

My Wagon R has clocked 42,500 Kms on ODO.

Any help on this will be highly appreciated.

[libranof1987]

The most important part of owning a car is the maintenance aspect. The A.S.S. can't be trusted with advice on when one should bring in the car for scheduled servicing and what repairs/replacements need to be carried out at each of them.

Although the "schedule" is listed out in the owner's manual, the situation is often different; sometimes parts undergo wear and tear too quickly or on other occasions, the replacement is recommended too early.

So, how about each member post their experiences and suggestions and also recommendations (based on experience) about when it is ideal and necessary for a car to go for servicing and which parts should be mandatorily replaced.

2 examples that lead to me this :

1) The SA at Sundaram Motors, Bangalore "advised" me to change the timing belt of my Corsa at 30,000 kms; when I asked why it was necessary so early, he said it "could be put off" until 40,000kms. People on the forum have mentioned generally timing belt change occurs ~70,000 kms.

2) My dad gets a call from Pearl Honda asking him to get the car for servicing (the last service, 3rd free was undertaken in January) because servicing is recommended every 3 months and if not done, "they cannot guarantee if parts will be approved under warranty".

I believe and hope the info on this thread could greatly benefit people who've just started owning cars or even those who've switched segments.

PS : I'll post service details of my cars in just a bit!

[dhanushs]

Hey Nishad, http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/techni...checklist.html

- is a very detailed and similar thread. You can use it. Had loads of useful info too.

[nityaya]

I have a 2008 Indigo CS LS TDI. After having used it for 56000 kms and experiencing TATA service i felt a need to create a thread to get feedback regarding preventive maintenance for hassle free travel.

My vehicle developed a power steering oil tank leakage in a months time and was replaced within warranty. Around 6 months later i decided to get Alloys and replaced them at Amravati Tata Service centre. I got the job done in front of me and in three out of five tyres the tube were pressed in between the rims and tyres. I had to replace two tubes which were in bad condition. It is said to be a problem in a lot of TATA cars. (Till then there was no puncture).

Minor problems like boot opening/closing, squeaks, horn button contact, etc were experienced regularly. At the 40000 kms service the brake oil was replaced and the lid was carelessly not put on. In regular routine service or check ups the battery water level is never checked and the tyre pressures are also not maintained as per required pressure. It is always more. The battery condition is also never checked as i found out being stranded around 15 kms outside Bangalore, one cell was completely dry and the battery had to be replaced.

Around 54500 kms there was suddenly no cooling from the ac and it was found that the condenser had developed a leakage. A/c gas recharge and other work was done just 1500 kms before and i do not think anybody had bothered to look at the condenser. Expenses around Rs 12500.

After all these and many other experiences i felt the need to share it with fellow Indigo CS owners. Please help if there are any preventive maintenance works i need to do with reference to my mileage. Because we sure cannot depend on our authorised service centres.

[mashmash]

My 2005 model Esteem Vxi is due for service and the reading on the Odo is 51346. I am the second owner and have been enjoying the car for the past 2 years. I intend to keep the car for another one and a half or two years.

Apart from the items listed in the Manual for the 50k kms service, I wanted to know from the experts what else do I ask the service engineer to check/replace, to ensure trouble free and smooth running of my car. The list could include generic items, useful for owners of other brands as well as specific to Esteem.

I do intend to get filters, suspension rubber parts, timing belt (or which ever that belt is which people tell me makes a screeching sound. No sound in my car though as of today), etc. changed.

Mods: I am sure this topic must be discussed somewhere, however, I just could not locate one.

MaSh

[Aroy]

Change all the rubber beading/bush/hose, as rubber tends to age in 7 years.
- Change all the rubber parts and rings inside the brake circuit (I think there is a kit of all parts available)
- Change the window channels as they would be going hard.

It is advisable to change all oils/fluids and flush the radiator to clean it up.

Check all the wheel bearings and grease them.

Most of the times the power windows give lot of problems. If possible take the car to a window specialist who can check and lubricate the power window mechanism. If any winder is straining, this is the time to service the power window motors (simple dismantling, cleaning and lubrication) job.

[MileCruncher]

Shobhit,

As already stated, check all belts and replace them. Do full greasing of the hubs and wheel bearing. Check whether the rubber boots are ok and soft else change them. Flush the radiator and check the electrolyte level in battery.

Apart from that change all fluids like brake oil, engine oil, transmission oil et al.

Cheers

[mashmash]

Originally Posted by Aroy

Change all the rubber beading/bush/hose, as rubber tends to age in 7 years.
- Change all the rubber parts and rings inside the brake circuit (I think there is a kit of all parts available)
- Change the window channels as they would be going hard.

It is advisable to change all oils/fluids and flush the radiator to clean it up.

Check all the wheel bearings and grease them.

Most of the times the power windows give lot of problems. If possible take the car to a window specialist who can check and lubricate the power window mechanism. If any winder is straining, this is the time to service the power window motors (simple dismantling, cleaning and lubrication) job.

Thank You very much. You have hit all the pain areas in the Esteem.

Originally Posted by MileCruncher

Shobhit,

As already stated, check all belts and replace them. Do full greasing of the hubs and wheel bearing. Check whether the rubber boots are ok and soft else change them. Flush the radiator and check the electrolyte level in battery.

Apart from that change all fluids like brake oil, engine oil, transmission oil et al.

Cheers

Ani, I did not get the rubber boots part. What are these? I got a new maintenance free Battery already.

I have consolidated items from both the posts, here it is:

1. Rubber Beadings, Bushes and Hose - Engine Bay area?
2. Brakes overhaul - This is already on my list, as the breaks are very weak at the moment, no bite at all.
3. Window channels - Yes, for the left front window, I keep a WD-40 can handy. Have to use it everyday.
4. Engine Oil, Radiator Coolant to be replaced.
5. Radiator to be flushed.
6. Wheel bearings cleaned and greased, replace if signs of wear visible.
7. Window specialist - if the window channel work Pt.3 does not yield satisfactory results. However, I am aware that front windows are a known problem area with the Esteem.
8. Rubber Boots: What exactly are these?
9. Suspension: What do I ask the mech to check/replace here?

Looking forward to more suggestions.

MaSh

[MileCruncher]

Originally Posted by mashmash

Ani, I did not get the rubber boots part. What are these?

Its the rubber cover that covers the CV Joint on front wheels where the drive shaft goes. Grease the CV joint also if needed.

Cheers

[mashmash]

Originally Posted by MileCruncher

Its the rubber cover that covers the CV Joint on front wheels where the drive shaft goes. Grease the CV joint also if needed.

Cheers

Ahhh yes that's a must check. Added to the list.

What about Fuel tank cleaning? Fuel pump? Fuel line?

[condor]

@Mashmash, make a list of the items listed for 6-7 years & 50k running, as mentioned in the service manual. Make a list of problems you have noticed. Your servicing list would include all regular items + all items to be covered at 6-7 years + any problems you have noticed. You may ask for a full check-up, especially for rubber components, belts, rusting of body (check below carpets in cabin & boot), and under-body.

[Aroy]

Other areas
. Check the engine mounts, change if they show signs of aging, or the engine vibrates excessively on slow idle.
. For suspension check the rubber bushes and metal parts for damage. Change if necessary.

One area of doubt is the wiring harness. With age some insulation gets frayed, especially the power window part, where it is in constant brush with the door. Another is the fuse box, which can show signs of abuse if one particular fuse has been blowing.

[Tapish]

Mash,

Check the axles properly. My esteem's driveshaft had to be changed at 75k, so I guess they may show some age.
Also, look out for all suspension related issues, and the B/C column of the exhausts (don't know what is it called).

PM me for any specific details.

Cheers,
Tapish

[Aroy]

Originally Posted by Tapish

Mash,

Check the axles properly. My esteem's driveshaft had to be changed at 75k, so I guess they may show some age.
Also, look out for all suspension related issues, and the B/C column of the exhausts (don't know what is it called).

PM me for any specific details.

Cheers,
Tapish

Yes the front axle may require thorough examination, as it may develop play.

I change my Exhaust rear pipe after 9 years of ownership.

[dhanushs]

Originally Posted by mashmash

9. Suspension: What do I ask the mech to check/replace here?

Check lower arm bushes, damper condition, ball joints etc..

A bad damper will cause a wallowy feel.
A bad lower arm bush means, strange noises while going over rough patches.
A bad ball joints means, slight change in steering (sharpness) and noise while going over rough patches.