Re: Review: 1st-gen Ford Figo (2010) Quote:
Originally Posted by Blow Horn Ok I own a 2010 1.4 TDCI figo from the initial batches and it has run 41000km till date and all the services have been carried pro actively. I have been noticing a hissing sound from the the serpentine belt area near the power steering pump since 2-3 months. It starts few seconds after starting up the engine and sometime it vanishes after the has warmed up or it continues to make hissing sound at a much lower level.
Today I inspected the belt; only to find that it has started shredding - cracking and has become rock hard. I located the shredded part and cut it, but the hissing sound continues.
I know the belt has to be replaced. But isn't it too early? Does it require simple belt replacement or any other part associated with it like idler pulley and tensioner (read it on somewhere in the forum)? I feel that apart from the belt there is a sound of a kaput bearing somewhere which is making the noise. The nearest FASS is 100 kms away. Could the car be driven till there? Also, does anyone have idea about the approximate cost of the belt and other related parts/service? Attachment 1420005 Attachment 1420006 Attachment 1420007 |
Quoting my own post for reference. Life was quite hectic after I posted the cracking of the drive belt and I was not able to attend this issue and take the car to service centre. Just before Diwali, while my father was driving the car, the engine stopped and somehow he was able to park it beside the road. He tried to start the car several times but it didn't. There was fuel and the battery was almost new. He called me and I went with heavy heart just to see that the belt was 50-60% disintegrated and threads were dangling here and there. But it was in its place and it rotated when the engine cranked.
It was already 1 PM, Called up the service centre in Ranchi (120kms) talked to the service head who suggested to push start, but it didn't start. He promised to call back and discuss with the mechanic as it was lunch time. In the meanwhile called the ford road assistance and they said our car was no longer in their service list and all they can do is to give number of service centres. Called Royal Sundaram Road assistance and they connected to a towing agency which quoted 4900/- for their services till Ranchi. In the meanwhile my father brought a local mechanic who pumped the diesel, removed and refitted fuel pipes checked here and there but was clueless and went back!
It was now 3PM and I called the service centre again. After I explained the issue, The mechanic was almost sure that the shredded belt threads might have dislodged the crank sensor which is located just beside the lower pulley behind the black cover in the front right wheel well. He asked to get hold a local mechanic and check if this had happened.
I thought I can do this myself and quickly jacked up the car, removed the front right wheel and I notice bits of blue plastic and black tape on the lower arm. I was now sure of the issue and somewhat relieved. Further I could see a plug dangling with belt threads around it just where the mechanic told. I brought a knife and cut all the dangling threads, put the blue cap on the plug and inserted it back into its place with some effort, as it was not easily accessible due to the cover. The plug had lost its locking clips but even then it was firm enough.
Started the car with beating heart and viola! It starts within seconds just as nothing happened. Drove slowly to home and reached at 5 pm.
Called the service centre and they assured that the belt would not snap If I drive slowly and bring to Ranchi and even if it does, the power steering would not work and I would be able to drive slow and bring the car. Somehow I was confident and drove next day 120 kms to the service centre without any problem and reached at around 12.30. They said that the Idler pulley and tension pulley would also need a change along with the belt and everything would cost around 7000/-. Work was completed in an hour post the lunch and the head mechanic showed me the impressions on one of the pulley and said it causes the belt to deteriorate fast and also there was noise in one of the pulleys bearing. He checked the sensor plug and said I had done the right thing and it won't snap now. I let it be as I had no more time left to scout for a new plug. I guess It won't be available easily off the shelf.
Also got couple of wheel lugs which were broken and 6 wheel nuts replaced. Final bill came at Rs. 7050/- In which 850/- was labour charge and rest all parts and taxes. This was done in November and The car is doing fine till date.
You can see fine impressions on the left pulley.
I would suggest people to check their drive belts if they hear some sound, see cracks or their car is 40-5000 kms run or 4-5 year old. The Loose threads on the belt can snap up the crank sensor plug as its located too close. And even if it does, you can refit if the plug is intact.
Last edited by Blow Horn Ok : 13th February 2016 at 16:01.
Reason: adding information
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