Re: Honda Again (PreLOVED) - 2007 City ZX V-Tec
Update!! Update!! Update!!
Vehicle crossed 50k km and wanted to replace / repair the parts which affects vehicle dynamics.
List of parts in consideration and observation:
1) Suspension dampers (Front struts and rear shock absorbers)
Both front and rear dampers are free from noise and did their job well. Found no damage / leakage / noise during operation. Compared the damping force roughly and found to be equal. So left them as it is.
2) Springs
Springs are in good condition without major difference in their free height (also w.r.t new springs) Heart said, 'go ahead with existing springs, that could last for another 30k km atleast'
3) Anti-roll bars
A/Roll bar and bushes seem to be in perfect condition
4) A/Roll bar connecting rods
Ball joint in LH connecting rod (or link rod) seem to have a little play than the RH one. Replacing any of the suspension component in pair is always recommended, changed both the link rods (forgot the brand, but for sure not from India)
5) Suspension mountings (Bushes)
Top mounts are in perfect condition, but the bottom LH arm had one of the bush in Weak condition (found rubber debonding in one side) This is one of the culprit that gave lot of noise when I run over bad roads / patches.
6) Lower arm
Though both the lower arms are in "OK" condition, something was itching my heart. checked again and again and found some rust in weld area in RM lower arm and LH found with a little bend. SE adviced on hammering the bent one and painting the rusted one. I don't want to take chance with alignment issues after hammering. Also since one of the bush is worn out, replaced both the lower arms with bushes and knuckle ball joint.
7) Steering Tie rods
Ball joints were little free than the new ones. So replaced the tie rods too.
8) Steering rack play
No abnormal play.
9) Bearings
Both the bearings are in good condition, no noise / play.
10) Brakes
Brake disc as well as the pads were in perfect condition. Cleaned them and fitted again
I knew the engine and drive train is in more than perfect condition. Reconfirmed the same with comments from the mechanic.
50k km service
Engine oil changed, brake & clutch fluids needed a little top up (read very little) to reach "max" level, battery charging done, coolant flushed and refilled. AC gasing not required as it cools the cabin the no matter of time.
Electricals:
- Front LH fog lamp bulb replaced
- 1 month old Roots windtone horn went kaput (that was working well when I gave for service, but during water wash I hope water entered inside)
LPG
Raising fuel price is leaving my pockets empty always. Added LPG kit (Italian make, forgot the name. Will share more details tomorrow)
Denting and painting
Car had few dents and scratches in the following ares
1) Noticeable dent in LH running board
2) Dent in Front LH door (near door handle)
3) Dent in LH ORVM
These 3 are "carry over" from previous owner
4) Small dent in Rear LH door just above the running board (thanks to Tambaram autowala)
5) Deep scratch in front RH door above the running board (vehicle was parked and a kid in cycle scraped her pedal over the door)
6) Few scratches in both the bumpers and LH fender (continuity from bumper)
It is painful to see our beloved vehicle with scratches. So asked to remove all dents and even the minor scratches. Few scratches in bonnet was covered with rubbing and others required denting and painting.
Areas painted:
- Front bumper
- Front LH fender
- Front LH door
- LH ORVM
- Rear LH door
- LH running board
- Front RH door
- Rear bumper (+parking sensors)
The areas left out were the roof, rear panel above the wheel arch, bonnet and the boot.
Complete rubbing and 3M coating done. I was fearing about the shade, but it is obsolutely matched with the original colour, vehicle looks brand new now.
Will share detailed snaps and cost details by end of the day. Some teaser snaps here
Cheers
PS: Mods, please rename the thread title for 50k km update