[Cooltronics]

Dear Experts,
I happen to bump into this thread while searching for some issues with my SX4 and would appreciate if you can guide
Car in Question - 2009 Model Vxi, driven 48k till now. Out of these 48k, 5k was driven in last 3years so basically the car is not used much and always serviced in MASS

I have no apparent problem in the car but the steering is feeling heavier and I know that suspensions do make noise when going through pot holes or speed breakers (from 6 years)
Folks at MASS have commented (from last 2y) that lower arms have a crack and suspensions are getting weaker. It would work well now but may require its work in future.
They are not willing to accept that I can use Swift or SX4's suspension parts and recommend only SX4's which cost a hand & limb as compared to the car's present value so not keen to replace till it lasts

My questions, if you can help
1) What could be the reason for heavier steering ? Do I need to open up the steering assembly and get it checked or replaced ? If so, would any other car's assembly fit ? I guess no ! Any pointers here ?
2) I understood the lower arms from Swift are a good fit which I will look upon, what else should I be checking from Suspension perspective (front & back) and their alternative options for replacement (e.g. struts etc.)



The car will continue to be a second car in garage but I am planning some road trips in next 12-18 months period

[audioholic]

Originally Posted by Cooltronics

My questions, if you can help
1) What could be the reason for heavier steering ? Do I need to open up the steering assembly and get it checked or replaced ? If so, would any other car's assembly fit ? I guess no ! Any pointers here ?
2) I understood the lower arms from Swift are a good fit which I will look upon, what else should I be checking from Suspension perspective (front & back) and their alternative options for replacement (e.g. struts etc.)

Heavy steering is a common issue with the Type 1 and 2 SX4 which has no other solution but to replace the rack which is an expensive fix. The rack of the Type 3 SX4 has an ultra light steering in comparison. I am not sure if its just the rack or also the power steering controller. Note that the rack replacement also consists of a new PS motor which is sold together. But this along with a new PS module costs around 35k.

Regarding lower arms there are lot of aftermarket alternatives to this at a cheaper price. As far as I am aware my car got a replacement pair from Monroe at 2k a piece. I have covered around 18k kms after replacement and have put it to good use without any issues.

[Rahul Bhalgat]

Originally Posted by straight6

Guys, please just fit the lower arms of a swift for this problem. They are 3k for a pair from MGP and they are an exact fit. I just did this and it works perfectly!

The SX4 arms are SGP and 12.6k a pair so you can use the swift arms 4 times if required .

Hi straight6,

Upon your advice, I had fitted the lower arms of Swift for my SX4. It was a perfect advice, I had posted on the forum that time. Thank you once again for the same.

Now my SX4 has done 1,52,000 km on the stock clutch. The clutch still appears good but occasionally the release bearing makes some noise upon cold start. I am thinking of replacing the clutch along with the flywheel (if needed), the release bearing and the slave cylinder.

Any idea if the clutch from Swift (or any other car) will fit into the SX4 Petrol? Mine is SX4 Petrol Zxi VVT of 2011.

[audioholic]

Originally Posted by Rahul Bhalgat

Any idea if the clutch from Swift (or any other car) will fit into the SX4 Petrol? Mine is SX4 Petrol Zxi VVT of 2011.

SX4 has a different clutch for the petrol and isnt compatible with the rest of the models. Hence directly replace the clutch with the one from SX4

[VICTOR-MIKE]

Originally Posted by audioholic

Heavy steering is a common issue with the Type 1 and 2 SX4 which has no other solution but to replace the rack which is an expensive fix.

Will the heavy steering and rattle be fixed by replacing the steering rack bush? My mechanic has advised for this.

https://boodmo.com/catalog/part-bush-58197779/