Chassis Skewed

kjdesigns_2000 · 27th January 2008, 13:18

Guys,

I bought an esteem in May2007 from Competent Automobiles Gurgaon. From day one it had some very minor defects like

Fuel needle not showing correct amount of fuel.
Little bit offset steering wheel.
Little noise from the fan belt when starting the engine. Later fixed by tightening
After 3k-4k on odo a jerk was felt when the clutch was being pressed

Lately i discovered that after only a week of service my coolant tank was on E. Took it to service station and they said that some seal is broken and that would need to be fixed. I insisted on the clutch issue as well and after some talks with the service manager he aggreed to fix it too. Firstly they said its a clutch wire issue.

When they opened the seal for coolant issue he said that since the coolant has been dripping on the clutch (or whatever the box is under it) it has resulted in dirt accumulation at that area and thats the reason i feel the jerk in the clutch movement. They did Clutch retainer cleaning and all was sorted out. i was happy driving it.

On 26 Jan 08 i went with my relatives to a long distance drive and was sitting in their car. My car was in front of me with Dad driving. I could see the front right wheel about 3 inches out of the car and the left front wheel 3 inches in. took many views and even asked the others and they all said that this is clearly a chassis defect as my entire car was Skewed. Now when i see it standing today i can clearly see that the right side is moving out in right direction and the left in towards the car.

Another way to explain would be that the rears and fronts are not in line when seen from back. The front right is towards right of the rear right and front left towards left of the rear left.

Can you please suggest what to do in such a case. My Father in law suggested me to mail to competent or maybe visit and if they try to run out then mail Maruti. It hurts so much, i really love my car.

kjdesigns_2000 · 27th January 2008, 13:20

Also one thing guys, on 4000 reading this car had met with an accident (minor) where the front right fender was changed and the front camber settings had to be done again. Maybe the tyre also got hit resulting in misalignment. But it really wasn't that strong which could move the chassis.

GTO - Touring · 27th January 2008, 14:07

From what you have described, it seems to have had a major shunt, and a hurried accident repair job. I wouldn't recommend driving this car on the highway at all....the behaviour at speed would be dangerously unpredictable.

Alfa_Kilo · 27th January 2008, 14:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by kjdesigns_2000

Also one thing guys, on 4000 reading this car had met with an accident (minor) where the front right fender was changed and the front camber settings had to be done again. Maybe the tyre also got hit resulting in misalignment. But it really wasn't that strong which could move the chassis.

Can you provide some details on the accident? What was it with, another vehicle or some kerb/wall? Does the vehicle pull to one side? Is the steering behaviour symetric, i.e. do LH & RH turns feel the same?

kjdesigns_2000 · 27th January 2008, 17:33

No No, i was personally involved in it and it was nothing more than a 10 Kms/2nd gear speed shunt in rain and i collided with a cemented road barrier. Got t he piece replaced as Dad didn't want a fixed up fender. He said its a new car just get the piece replaced by insurance, the bumper, lights etc are all original and untouched.

The wheel was hit cos it was upsized tyre with alloy so was a bit near the edge of the fender. Had it been the normal rim tyre i don't think it would have even got touched.

After the job was done i could feel the misalignment when seen from the front. The left side of the car seems to be ok in all cases till now. Its the right which feels awkward.

I went to the service station today and the manager himself said that a skewed chassis in impossible as it would mean inconsistency in body lines/panels at least at one area of the car. All pieces of car, interiors are perfectly set. Most important thing he said was that we (competent) will never do any thing like selling a TD car or fixed or repainted car. The issues that i mentioned according to him were on Maruti's level. They would certainly fix those if i want but its not their fault if there were issues since day 1. Anyways

According to him its the front right wheel of the car which is offset (in their computer it was (+), the left one was (-), he says it should be (-))and has been left since the rework was done. Now i have to take back the car to him with original rims (as he asked) and said then they can fix the offset. Ill post pictures soon.

I hope its the offset only and gets removed ASAP

harry2223 · 27th January 2008, 17:55

there is a problem in wheels my friend get your car to a good tyre shop and get it corrected. chasis cannot be skewed so easily in minor accident

kjdesigns_2000 · 27th January 2008, 18:03

The car does good speeds with no wobbling, no moving towards a particular direction. After the visit even i am thinking is it really only the offset as seen in the images. Now what can be done, the problem is such a one off that what can one comment on. If you can figure out from the pics what i am saying.

kjdesigns_2000 · 27th January 2008, 18:07

I have a terrible headache cos of all this and maybe after reading about so many incidents with people being handed accidental or TD cars. Am i becoming a mental victim of it.

DirtyDan · 27th January 2008, 18:27

I can not tell anything from your pictures. It seems to me if you take it to a good alignment shop, one with a computerized system that knows how to use it, then you can confirm where the problem is. You may also want to go underneath and take a long look at the REAR wheel assembly. If you have hit a large rock or hole you can bend rear cross pieces and knock the rear out of alignment. This is expensive to fix but a good computerized alignment shop should show the problem.

anupmathur · 27th January 2008, 19:09

Hey DD, just because two wheels are involved you don't need to post the same instructions twice!! You could've just done a ditto for the second one!

Alfa_Kilo · 27th January 2008, 19:13

The RH tyre seems to be slightly offset, though nowhere near three inches. Get the car hoisted at a workshop and examine the lower arm mountings and strut ball joint.

Alfa_Kilo · 27th January 2008, 19:15

A wheel alingment machine will typically not indicate offset. It will only indicate camber and toe.

dadu · 27th January 2008, 19:30

Same here, pictures are telling nothing, suggest the same as Dan.

Atleast you'll find the exact problem, which can then be rectified.

Quote:

Originally Posted by DirtyDan

I can not tell anything from your pictures. It seems to me if you take it to a good alignment shop, one with a computerized system that knows how to use it, then you can confirm where the problem is. You may also want to go underneath and take a long look at the REAR wheel assembly. If you have hit a large rock or hole you can bend rear cross pieces and knock the rear out of alignment. This is expensive to fix but a good computerized alignment shop should show the problem.

kjdesigns_2000 · 27th January 2008, 19:49

Well i put in pics of both the fronts. The offset can be seen. What exactly is offset. according to me the right tyre is coming out of the car more and this is what is the issue what i feel. the left is in and that is normal (non - accidental). This right one might be a result of the stunt it took. God knows what else would be under there when i take the look.

Today when i took the car to service station, the guy did correct the alignment though. But said offset can be set only with the default rims.

Now ill have to arrange for some friend who doesn't have alloys on his car and swap for a day or two.

rr_zen · 27th January 2008, 21:08

If your vehicle is still under warranty (which I presume the case to be) then I would strongly urge you to keep knocking at the doors of the MASS until this problem is rectified. The pictures you have posted above dont do justice to the problem cited. If needed, keep MSIL in the loop. This way your problem has better chances of getting sorted out.

27th January 2008, 13:18	#1
kjdesigns_2000 BHPian Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Gurgaon Posts: 159 Thanked: 0 Times View My Garage	Chassis Skewed Guys, I bought an esteem in May2007 from Competent Automobiles Gurgaon. From day one it had some very minor defects like Fuel needle not showing correct amount of fuel. Little bit offset steering wheel. Little noise from the fan belt when starting the engine. Later fixed by tightening After 3k-4k on odo a jerk was felt when the clutch was being pressed Lately i discovered that after only a week of service my coolant tank was on E. Took it to service station and they said that some seal is broken and that would need to be fixed. I insisted on the clutch issue as well and after some talks with the service manager he aggreed to fix it too. Firstly they said its a clutch wire issue. When they opened the seal for coolant issue he said that since the coolant has been dripping on the clutch (or whatever the box is under it) it has resulted in dirt accumulation at that area and thats the reason i feel the jerk in the clutch movement. They did Clutch retainer cleaning and all was sorted out. i was happy driving it. On 26 Jan 08 i went with my relatives to a long distance drive and was sitting in their car. My car was in front of me with Dad driving. I could see the front right wheel about 3 inches out of the car and the left front wheel 3 inches in. took many views and even asked the others and they all said that this is clearly a chassis defect as my entire car was Skewed. Now when i see it standing today i can clearly see that the right side is moving out in right direction and the left in towards the car. Another way to explain would be that the rears and fronts are not in line when seen from back. The front right is towards right of the rear right and front left towards left of the rear left. Can you please suggest what to do in such a case. My Father in law suggested me to mail to competent or maybe visit and if they try to run out then mail Maruti. It hurts so much, i really love my car.
	() Thanks

27th January 2008, 13:20	#2
kjdesigns_2000 BHPian Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Gurgaon Posts: 159 Thanked: 0 Times View My Garage	Also one thing guys, on 4000 reading this car had met with an accident (minor) where the front right fender was changed and the front camber settings had to be done again. Maybe the tyre also got hit resulting in misalignment. But it really wasn't that strong which could move the chassis.
	() Thanks

27th January 2008, 14:07	#3
GTO - Touring BHPian Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Mumbai Posts: 709 Thanked: 56 Times	From what you have described, it seems to have had a major shunt, and a hurried accident repair job. I wouldn't recommend driving this car on the highway at all....the behaviour at speed would be dangerously unpredictable.
	() Thanks

27th January 2008, 17:33	#5
kjdesigns_2000 BHPian Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Gurgaon Posts: 159 Thanked: 0 Times View My Garage	No No, i was personally involved in it and it was nothing more than a 10 Kms/2nd gear speed shunt in rain and i collided with a cemented road barrier. Got t he piece replaced as Dad didn't want a fixed up fender. He said its a new car just get the piece replaced by insurance, the bumper, lights etc are all original and untouched. The wheel was hit cos it was upsized tyre with alloy so was a bit near the edge of the fender. Had it been the normal rim tyre i don't think it would have even got touched. After the job was done i could feel the misalignment when seen from the front. The left side of the car seems to be ok in all cases till now. Its the right which feels awkward. I went to the service station today and the manager himself said that a skewed chassis in impossible as it would mean inconsistency in body lines/panels at least at one area of the car. All pieces of car, interiors are perfectly set. Most important thing he said was that we (competent) will never do any thing like selling a TD car or fixed or repainted car. The issues that i mentioned according to him were on Maruti's level. They would certainly fix those if i want but its not their fault if there were issues since day 1. Anyways According to him its the front right wheel of the car which is offset (in their computer it was (+), the left one was (-), he says it should be (-))and has been left since the rework was done. Now i have to take back the car to him with original rims (as he asked) and said then they can fix the offset. Ill post pictures soon. I hope its the offset only and gets removed ASAP Last edited by kjdesigns_2000 : 27th January 2008 at 17:39.
	() Thanks

27th January 2008, 17:55	#6
harry2223 BANNED Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: patiala Posts: 350 Thanked: 0 Times View My Garage	there is a problem in wheels my friend get your car to a good tyre shop and get it corrected. chasis cannot be skewed so easily in minor accident
	() Thanks

27th January 2008, 18:03	#7
kjdesigns_2000 BHPian Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Gurgaon Posts: 159 Thanked: 0 Times View My Garage	Images The car does good speeds with no wobbling, no moving towards a particular direction. After the visit even i am thinking is it really only the offset as seen in the images. Now what can be done, the problem is such a one off that what can one comment on. If you can figure out from the pics what i am saying.
	() Thanks

27th January 2008, 18:07	#8
kjdesigns_2000 BHPian Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Gurgaon Posts: 159 Thanked: 0 Times View My Garage	I have a terrible headache cos of all this and maybe after reading about so many incidents with people being handed accidental or TD cars. Am i becoming a mental victim of it.
	() Thanks

27th January 2008, 18:27	#9
DirtyDan Senior - BHPian Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Dharamsala, H.P Posts: 2,108 Thanked: 1,665 Times	May be the rear, too. I can not tell anything from your pictures. It seems to me if you take it to a good alignment shop, one with a computerized system that knows how to use it, then you can confirm where the problem is. You may also want to go underneath and take a long look at the REAR wheel assembly. If you have hit a large rock or hole you can bend rear cross pieces and knock the rear out of alignment. This is expensive to fix but a good computerized alignment shop should show the problem.
	() Thanks

27th January 2008, 19:09	#10
anupmathur Senior - BHPian Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: New Delhi Posts: 3,095 Thanked: 311 Times	Hey DD, just because two wheels are involved you don't need to post the same instructions twice!! You could've just done a ditto for the second one!
	() Thanks

27th January 2008, 19:13	#11
Alfa_Kilo BHPian Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Jaipur Posts: 328 Thanked: 13 Times	The RH tyre seems to be slightly offset, though nowhere near three inches. Get the car hoisted at a workshop and examine the lower arm mountings and strut ball joint.
	() Thanks

27th January 2008, 19:15	#12
Alfa_Kilo BHPian Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Jaipur Posts: 328 Thanked: 13 Times	A wheel alingment machine will typically not indicate offset. It will only indicate camber and toe.
	() Thanks

27th January 2008, 19:49	#14
kjdesigns_2000 BHPian Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Gurgaon Posts: 159 Thanked: 0 Times View My Garage	Well i put in pics of both the fronts. The offset can be seen. What exactly is offset. according to me the right tyre is coming out of the car more and this is what is the issue what i feel. the left is in and that is normal (non - accidental). This right one might be a result of the stunt it took. God knows what else would be under there when i take the look. Today when i took the car to service station, the guy did correct the alignment though. But said offset can be set only with the default rims. Now ill have to arrange for some friend who doesn't have alloys on his car and swap for a day or two.
	() Thanks

27th January 2008, 21:08	#15
rr_zen Senior - BHPian Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Chennai, India Posts: 1,810 Thanked: 423 Times View My Garage	If your vehicle is still under warranty (which I presume the case to be) then I would strongly urge you to keep knocking at the doors of the MASS until this problem is rectified. The pictures you have posted above dont do justice to the problem cited. If needed, keep MSIL in the loop. This way your problem has better chances of getting sorted out.
	() Thanks