Team-BHP - Stiffer Palio

Hello guys,
I have owned a used 2003 Palio 1.2 ELX a week ago. The car is in good condition and was very less used. A week ago I got the car serviced at Prerarna motors. Got the timer belt and spark plugs replaced.
I have following points to mention and needs a clarification from existing Palio 1.2 owners.

- The gear lever, clutch and brakes are real stiff. My legs had a break in time when I started to drive this car (an IODEX/moov massage everyday) .. Is there any way to fix this (I mean the lever stiffness)?

- After turning on the AC I get some kinda noise from the air filter side, something like bhrrrrrrr, it goes off after turing the AC off. Plus there is a considerable lag in pick up with AC. I mean the car does not pull in 2nd gear after stalling when AC on, works fine when AC off.

- In addition to above point, when I remove the air filter and put it back then there is no noise for few kms and a good pick up as well. The pick lags the moment noise comes back. Even though I insisted the prerana motors guys did not change the filters, I dunno why.

- With 100% AC I am getting a FE of about 9.5 kmpl, is it normal? Considering its 90% bumper to bumper traffic. I am using Shell SU petrol.

A few details about my car-
Fiat Palio 1.2 ELX, 2003 purchase, Silver, Done 62k kms
Tyres- 185 Michelin carrier
ICE- Sony xplod control, with sony xplod front and rear speakers (dont remember the exact model), Sony xplod 10 cd changer.

Maybe I can help on the clutch stiffness part: get the clutch plate kit replaced. Palio's clutch is significantly heavier than probably any car in its segment (or even two segments above), but should not require a Moov/Iodex massage for the driver, unless you are a especially delicaltely built lady.

While you are at at, get the clutch master cylinder checked, it may have started sticking due to wear. Have you noticed the clutch pedal not returing to 'normal' position after release?

Brakes and accelerator are nor significantly stiffer than in other cars. Something seems wrong. Cannot really say what without more info.

Thanks for the repliy guys.
I believe the clutch plate kit replacement is a better option, and this was something recommended by one mechanic as well.

@Vipul- The clutch pedal is returning back to its position properly, but stiffness is the only issue. The back pressure is so much that if by chance I leave the pedal suddenly while pressed then I may endup getting fractures.

The same stiffness is with the break as well. I mean I found the brake pedal of stile far softer than my 1.2.

I am worried about the clutch because the gear lever is also stiff (well everything is stiff in my car thats why the subject line stupid:) .. That may be happening due to worn out clutch plates.
What you guys say?

On the stiff gearshift part, I think the problem would reduce once you replace the clutch kit. Also, change the gear oil, as that would marginally help.

Ask the mechanic to check the gear lever linkages and bushings. If this still does not solve the problem, I would suspect the syncronizer rings (although that is a long shot, since the stiffness seems to be in every gear).

I also own a Honda City ZX, and the gearshift on my Palio is actually easier than the City's (confirmed by two of my friends who also drive NHCs)! So what you are facing is surely not normal.

For the brakes: 1) Get the vaccum servo checked, especially checking if the vaccum is correctly connected or not 2) Get the whole system bled, and topped up with DOT4 (not DOT3) fluid.

Whatever I have stated above are just the basics. So your mechanic should be able to help you out. If not, show your car to someone else.