[Resolved]  Maruti Alto — Inadequate worksmanship

Date: 21.Sept.08
To,
The Managing Director, Spectra Motors Ltd.

CC: The Works Manager, Spectra Motors Ltd; The Marketing Manager, Maruti Udyog Ltd; Editors of various Print Media.

Sub: Maruti Alto Registration No. GJ-15-DD-5362
Sir/ Madam,
I thankfully acknowledge the receipt of your letter Dtd: 06/09/08.
However, I wish to inform you that on the 20/09/08, whilst on my way to Pune from Mumbai, I started experiencing the similar abnormal loud noise from the front side of the vehicle, of which you are well aware of, since the vehicle has been attended thrice in the last month by your service station.
In view of the above problem, the vehicle was towed 10 kms from the site of breakdown till the nearest authorized Maruti dealer (S.K.Wheels Pvt. Ltd, Khopoli Branch).
After being inspected by the Works Manager, it was found that the Axle which was replaced with a new axle on 30/08/08 by Spectra Motors Ltd, vide cash memo No. BC08012433, had broken. While investigating the probable cause for the untimely breakdown of the Axle (which usually gives way after 60, 000 kms, under maximum stress conditions), an access gap of nearly one inch between the face of the axle shaft and the RH knuckle plate was observed, implying that the Apron was misaligned. My vehicle has travelled the total of 27778 Kms only as per invoice no BR08000090 by SK Wheels Pvt Ltd.
The works manager strongly recommended that the axle must not be replaced in such a condition since the new axle will merely sustain for a few Kms and will again breakdown.
The Works Manager also mentioned that such an access gap between the axle and the knuckle is caused due to a strain on the Apron over a long period of time and is not merely a sudden occurrence. These clearances are usually checked by the engineer attending to any job involving axle replacement.
Unless the axle has been forcefully fitted by some distraught labor, without the vigilance of a certified worksman, this breakdown of Axle within a short span of time is not possible.

Due to inadequate facilities at the Khopoli, S.K.Wheels Ltd branch, the vehicle had to be towed to their main workshop at Turbhe, Navi Mumbai, approx. 60 kms from Khopoli, for the required Body alignment. Today being Sunday, the workshop at Turbhe is closed and the job on my vehicle will commence only on Monday.
The list of jobs (Refer list below) that Spectra motors Ltd has carried out for this problem has no mention of checking the alignment of the wheel, chassis or apron. Neither was I advised to get the above job done during my recent visits to your service station. Nonetheless the axle was replaced.
Total Expense incurred: Rs.15903( Memo No: BC08011176 Dtd: 14/08/08, Amount: Rs.6, 478; Memo No: BC08011981 Dtd: 26/08/08, Amount: Rs.2, 154; Memo No: BC08012433 Dtd: 30/08/08, Amount: Rs.4, 671; Towing charges from Virkhindi to Khopoli – Rs.950; Towing charges from Khopoli to Turbhe – Rs.1650)
Expected expense for the current breakdown – Unknown

Since the vehicle has been regularly serviced at your service station, I kindly request you advise and explain your input into this matter and recommend a suitable action.
Thanking you in anticipation,

Yours Sincerely,
Mayuri Dipak Photographer.