[escape velocity]

Thanks Aroy!

Infact I was in so much hurry to change the clutch that I had already replaced it by the time you posted.

The clutch plate had worn out. The replacement cost me Rs.2000 along with pressure plate,and Rs.800 were paid as labour charge. What do you think? Reasonable rates.?

I asked the mech. to change the release bearing but he refused to do so saying that there is nothing wrong with it and why spend on fixing something which is not broken. I agreed since the guy is experienced and reputed. However, I still take it with a pinch of salt. .Does he want me to pay another visit soon? (Cynical me.)

I replaced the disc pads as well and noticed the brake fluid level which was earlier below max. level, rise above maximum mark.some of it even spilled out.

Gurus explain this phenomenon. Is it something to watch out for??

[IndigoXLGrandDi]

Originally Posted by escape velocity

I replaced the disc pads as well and noticed the brake fluid level which was earlier below max. level, rise above maximum mark.some of it even spilled out.

Gurus explain this phenomenon. Is it something to watch out for??

As the brake pads wear out the block (I dont know the exact name) move the pads towards the inner side as required thereby adjusting the brakes automatically. This mechanism causes the brake oil level to drop. While replacing the brake pads, "that block" has to be moved to its initial position so as to accommodate the pads. Hence the oil level rises due to that block moving back to its initial position.

[shady_lawyer]

So my 2007 Alto Lxi has been giving me a strange issue. The reverse gear makes a grinding sound while being engaged despite the clutch being fully pressed, however if I first shift into 3rd (third) and then into reverse it goes in like butter. Any idea what the culprit is? MASS is saying clutch+release bearing+synchronizer rings. Any views would be most welcome!

Current ODO 57k clutch replaced at 18k (2007 Alto's had a manufacturing defect in the clutch for which M.S. had undertaken a silent recall) not self driven at all times (used by sister and family driver who is a sedate chap).

Shady!

[nmenon]

Guys need some advice.
I have a 2007 Alto LX and the headlights have begun to become useless.
The whole mirror finish in the reflector has kind of gone off and looks like a matte finish.
I need advice on whether I should replace the headlight assembly for left and right sides or just go for brighter bulbs. I used to find the headlights acceptable earlier so I don't feel the need to actually upgrade the bulbs.
Thanks in advance.

[jinojohnt]

Originally Posted by shady_lawyer

So my 2007 Alto Lxi.....
.....however if I first shift into 3rd (third) and then into reverse it goes in like butter. Any idea what the culprit is?

My 2008 Alto had similar issue, and the gear lever got disconnected within a day (Gear lever moving freely, not able to change to any gear). It turned out to be a broken Gear rod (something that goes under the gear lever).
If some thing in the clutch is broken, you would experience the same problem in all gears, not just the reverse gear.
That said, the grinding noise can also be from the synchronizer rings. But synchronizer ring damages are caused by other factors such as incorrectly adjusted clutch travel, shifting gears 'without the clutch', etc. There is no point in replacing the synchronizer rings without identifying this root cause.

[Aroy]

Originally Posted by nmenon

Guys need some advice.
I have a 2007 Alto LX and the headlights have begun to become useless.
The whole mirror finish in the reflector has kind of gone off and looks like a matte finish.
I need advice on whether I should replace the headlight assembly for left and right sides or just go for brighter bulbs. I used to find the headlights acceptable earlier so I don't feel the need to actually upgrade the bulbs.
Thanks in advance.

As the reflector plays major role in brightness you should replace the head lamp assembly. Once you have new assembly in, get the beams aligned to proper specifications
. On high beam the light cone should be parallel to the ground and along the long axis of the car. The best way to check this is to go to a lonely stretch of road sit in the car and switch the beams on. Then adjust the screws to get it right

You can then check the light output and upgrade the bulbs if you want.

[nmenon]

Originally Posted by Aroy

As the reflector plays major role in brightness you should replace the head lamp assembly. Once you have new assembly in, get the beams aligned to proper specifications
. On high beam the light cone should be parallel to the ground and along the long axis of the car. The best way to check this is to go to a lonely stretch of road sit in the car and switch the beams on. Then adjust the screws to get it right

You can then check the light output and upgrade the bulbs if you want.

Thank you. I will have to replace the headlamps then, will do it at the next service which is due in a couple of weeks.

Anyone has any idea what a pair will cost for the Alto?

[im_srini]

Originally Posted by shady_lawyer

The reverse gear makes a grinding sound while being engaged despite the clutch being fully pressed, however if I first shift into 3rd (third) and then into reverse it goes in like butter.
MASS is saying clutch+release bearing+synchronizer rings.

As far as I know, the reverse gear in the Alto does not have a synchronizer.
Instead there's a reverse idler gear which rides on a shaft & is physically moved into place between the gears on the input & output shafts - which is why sometimes it just won't go into reverse & shifting into other gears, thus 'nudging' the gears, helps.
The reverse idler gear is straight cut & is why reverse gear is relatively loud compared to the other gears.

Originally Posted by nmenon

Anyone has any idea what a pair of headlights will cost for the Alto ?

Price of the headlamps will depend on the 'version' of Alto you have.
For example, headlights suitable for my 2001 model ( 35121M79G00 ) cost ~Rs.1,350 each.
The headlamps for the version called the 'Minor BS3 or Alto Minor' ( 35121M79G40 ) cost ~Rs.2,900 each.
Then there are the headlamps for the version called the 'BS3 Jan05' ( 35100M79G20 ) which cost ~Rs.3,300 each.
I'm guessing the increase in price is due to the motorized vertical alignment mechanism which had to be made available in the later models.
.

[nmenon]

Originally Posted by im_srini

Price of the headlamps will depend on the 'version' of Alto you have.
For example, headlights suitable for my 2001 model ( 35121M79G00 ) cost ~Rs.1,350 each.
The headlamps for the version called the 'Minor BS3 or Alto Minor' ( 35121M79G40 ) cost ~Rs.2,900 each.
Then there are the headlamps for the version called the 'BS3 Jan05' ( 35100M79G20 ) which cost ~Rs.3,300 each.
I'm guessing the increase in price is due to the motorized vertical alignment mechanism which had to be made available in the later models.
.

Thanks for that. My version is the one with Clear Lens headlamps and motorized leveller (2007 BS3). So I'm looking at 8k for the set of headlights considering a possibility of Inflation.

[shady_lawyer]

Originally Posted by jinojohnt

My 2008 Alto had similar issue

Originally Posted by im_srini

As far as I know, the reverse gear in the Alto does not have a synchronizer.

A big shout out to both of you for helping me out. I dumped my earlier MASS and went to Motorcraft Noida. After multiple test drives they confirmed that the clutch was on its way out and while I could continues usage, it would be better to replace the same. If despite the clutch change, the issues persist only then would the GB Housing be opened. Also @ im_srini right on Sir. In fact I got so obsessed that I made three different Alto owners slot their reverse gear and its makes the same noise as mine except that in their case the reverse slots smoothly.

Need to schedule a free day. Will update this thread.

[samaspire]

I have an Alto Lx 2008 model. The window on the front left side rolls up very reluctantly. Its very tight and difficult to roll up or down. I want to check it myself but was unable to remove the plastic panel. Removed the 2 screws, one clip and the orvm inside panel. Now I'm stuck on removing the window roller. How do I proceed further?

[a4anurag]

Originally Posted by samaspire

Now I'm stuck on removing the window roller. How do I proceed further?

Do check this video:

Way to remove the window roller

Should help you to open it!

[techiecal]

Originally Posted by nmenon

Thanks for that. My version is the one with Clear Lens headlamps and motorized leveller (2007 BS3). So I'm looking at 8k for the set of headlights considering a possibility of Inflation.

I think I came across Lumax Headlamps for Alto Type 2 without the motorised alignment assy. for less. Has anyone replaced the Headlight while using the old motor assy. After all, the requirement is for a new lens and reflector only.

[nmenon]

Guys, my Alto was rear ended by a Bolero with Bull Bars today on my way to work. SInce Traffic was slow, I got lucky and didn't get pushed into the car ahead of me.

Damage: Hatch dented but no paint gone, rear bumper also dented. Numberplate pierced and bent but still visible.

The guy was courteous enough to accept mistake, since he rammed my car which was already stationary and I was on the brakes (brake lights on). He has agreed to pay for damages once I get an estimate of the same.

I will post pics of the damage tomorrow.

What would be the best course of action, should I claim insurance?

The damage appears to be minor and the car is running fine. That old protruding bumper has done it's job properly (shudder to think what would've happened if it was the New Alto 800 with its near non existent rear bumper protrusion).

Thanks in advance for your advice.

[Aroy]

Originally Posted by nmenon

Guys, my Alto was rear ended by a Bolero with Bull Bars today on my way to work. SInce Traffic was slow, I got lucky and didn't get pushed into the car ahead of me.

Damage: Hatch dented but no paint gone, rear bumper also dented. Numberplate pierced and bent but still visible.

The guy was courteous enough to accept mistake, since he rammed my car which was already stationary and I was on the brakes (brake lights on). He has agreed to pay for damages once I get an estimate of the same.

I will post pics of the damage tomorrow.

What would be the best course of action, should I claim insurance?

The damage appears to be minor and the car is running fine. That old protruding bumper has done it's job properly (shudder to think what would've happened if it was the New Alto 800 with its near non existent rear bumper protrusion).

Thanks in advance for your advice.

As he has agreed yo pay, there is no need for claiming insurance. If the dent in sheet metal is slight, leave it alone, as any repair will entail repainting. My K10 has a lot of these small dents which are there but not ugly.

Bumper can be repaired very easily by heating it marginally and then it either regains its shape or the denter pushes it slightly. I got my bimper repair for Rs.200 in Delhi.