Sluggish/No Steering Center Return of ALTO

It sounds like you have worn front end components that need replacing...tie rod ends, maybe ball joints, etc.

If by "servicing" , you mean front end alignment, it won't last with bad/worn parts.

The car is done 29xxx KMs in five years and I have observed this from even the first servicing. This servicing is general like change of oil, not repairs.

I asked this to one at the sevice centre and he seems to be hiding some facts.

Gajanan Phadte

That's very odd. I think it's time to change service centres, and specifically, have your front end alignment checked and corrected.

he sounds like you

Is the ride height changed (even minimally) after you get the vehicle serviced?

Does the service center use a lift or a pit to service the vehicle?

What type of front suspension does the vehicle have, struts or shocks?

(I am guessing smaller diameter struts--highly charged)

Yes, they lift the car.

When the car engine is running and stationary, and if I pull the steering either side, it will centre but only for two days. I observed this, this time. Now from third day, it does not give any return force on the hands. Looks like +/- degrees from centre increases and is like 30degrees at the steering.

Gajanan Phadte

The front has air spring dampers(strut) and springs at the rear.

Gajanan Phadte

Okay, so I googled it myself and see that it has a MacPherson strut-type front end suspension.

I can't see why it explains it completely, but one scenario I had in my head is that the front suspension, when fully extended when on the service lift, is holding that state for too long when being put back into service. However, the most likely scenario in that case would be for the steering to fall off to the sides...not the centering which you are experiencing.

Here is site which has some useful information and troubleshooting tips.

My question and wonderment comes from the fact that the car "corrects" itself after a couple of days. That would make me think of the more dynamic aspects of the steering system, such as the struts and steering rack. The pressure in the rack will change with temperature and/or heavy usage (such as on a track, as a taxicab, or use on mountain roads).

It may be that the service center is playing with your alignment. Have you tried a different service center to see if the issue is common to both places? Whether it is or isn't could be very significant.

Tracking needs overhaul?

jt.

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst, for they are sticking to their diets.

I tried googling using the word 'tracking' but this takes me to gps tracking.

Tinkerer, Thanks for the links.

I have driven a Maruti SX-4 which is much heavier car. It has this behaviour of hard centering with torque. My car has never been returning that way and only happens for two days after service.

The service center is purely mechanical, no extra smart persons and they don't play mischief with the car. They could not detect that the strut is defective. I had to insist upon them to change it. This shows that their expertise is not very analystic.

This is the best service center amongst the only two.

I also feel that the car corrects itself after two days but what is that, that makes it behave that way for the first two days. It is for brainstorming and would be interesting to know.

Regards,

Gajanan Phadte

I read the links by Tinkerer and what I get from it is that a camber angle changes on lifting the car and it takes two days to come to zero.

Gajanan Phadte