New problems that crop up after a workshop visit

While in some instances the new issue surfaces during the ongoing service, in others, they surface after the service or repair is completed.

BHPian sandeep.menon recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Often it so happens, that during a car service or repair experience, a 'new issue' crops up. For example, this experience shared by BHPian TrackDay:

A couple of years ago, during routine maintenance, my car was raised and lowered back for removing the tyres to service the brakes at my FNG. This happened in front of me since I was free and wanted to see the work being carried out. When the work was completed, the tyres were fit back and I took the car out for a spin to check it out. The car felt like a basket ball. Apparently one of the rear suspension struts had failed before but somehow continued to work until the car was raised. Once raised, the piston of the strut wouldn't go back inside. Since I was at the FNG itself, the problem was diagnosed and replaced both the struts (rear) since I didn't want one old and one new in the rear.

While in some instances the new issue surfaces during the ongoing service, in others, they surface after the service or repair is completed. Broadly, the issue could surface:

• During the service or repair (as in the above example).
• Immediately after the service or repair. (For example, discovered on the way home).
• A few hours after the service or repair.
• A few days after the service or repair.
• A few weeks after the service or repair.

This thread is to share specific examples of such new issues, and the eventual resolution that solved the issue.

So, here's the first one!

Issue: Airbag warning lamp glowing after wheel alignment

If you notice that your airbag warning lamp is glowing, and you had got wheel alignment done right before that, there's a good chance the two are related.

One of the reasons this occurs is that some technicians remove the steering wheel to 'center' it before starting the WA process. If they have not been careful when doing this, there is a good chance that the clock spring, which carries the airbag, steering mounted control, and horn signals, is damaged during the removal and refitting process. And consequently, you would have the airbag warning lamp glow after wheel alignment.

Here's how the clock spring looks:

In this particular example, the resolution was that the clock spring had to be replaced, and the error code reset, to fix the problem.

Looking forward to more such experiences, and resolutions that solved the problem.

Here's what GTO had to say on the matter:

One of the issues I have faced is poor alignment from the authorized dealers just waiting to pad up their bill. Car goes in just fine, but it comes back pulling to one side which annoys the hell out of me.

Learned my lesson the hard way. Some tasks are best left to specialist shops outside (alignment & balancing, detailing etc.).

Here's what BHPian jeeva had to say on the matter:

For this reason alone, I do not allow technicians at any of those wheel alignment shops to remove or fiddle with the steering. Unless you have done a complete suspension overhaul and the toe values are very much off the mark, which affects the steering centring, there is no need to remove the steering. The sole reason why the steering tie rods come with threads on both the ends is to adjust the toe values. Guess, certain old habits die hard.

Here's what BHPian dailydriver had to say on the matter:

It wouldn't be an overstatement to say that in my 20 years of owning two and four-wheelers, never have my vehicles returned from their service without picking up a problem that they went in without!

I am yet to come across a workshop/garage that has strict post-service QC.

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.