GumbyAKhan

3 hours ago, Michael sammy said:

So first I went to Habtoor for AC checkup, and I asked for a full list of items needed to be serviced it was a list of 23 items however I got quoted a nonsense quote, hence I fixed only the AC there as it was recommended by other Pajero owners.

I took the list of the service items that mentioned in the quotation which was explaining every problem and which part to change (including the diff bushes) to a garage was recommended to me by another Pajero owner. and that was the first time that I fix the car outside Habtoor service.

However the garage changed all these mentioned service items successfully and professionally but when it reached the Tok sounds they said we fixed what was in Habtoor diagnoses however sound still there.

I went back to Habtoor they confirmed its the axel, from there I decided to go back to the garage to fix it again as I paid already to them to fix the problem but I still have it and the sound was annoying me while driving.

To make the story shorter the garage mechanics came up again with 3 different things to fix/change:
1- Differential (change)
2- The black part of the crankshaft 
3- Changing the axel hubs
 

Each one of these diagnosed issues would have cost me 3k at least without labor charges I guess, here at this moment I feed up and decided it's enough I went back to Habtoor but this time I was told to go to DIP branch they are better to fix this rare issues.

And it was just as simple as cleaning the axel and greasing, 400 AED they charged me with 3-month warranty if the problem appeared again they will fix it for free.

PS: this took me 2 month time running between Habtoor and the garages.

I hope this informations are helpful and my story will save money, time and efforts to others.

Cheers to all

I have to ask @Michael sammy, were these tok sounds coming when you turn the car and then straighten your well, or on inclined roads, or speed bumps? Because that's what happens with my car. It's not an issue of acceleration for me as it is for @Keithryan

Seriously, what a sensational thread, new mysteries being unpacked in every episode. Very helpful @Michael sammy, and true this sound is very annoying as it feels like your axle / base is gonna come apart any second with these noises. 

10 hours ago, Michael sammy said:

I shall do that Tomorrow, happy to help others. 

It has partially solved for me, but not gone fully away. Tightening of the bolts / screws on the lower arm both front and back definitely reduced the noise, but hasn't completely gone so the issue is still there. 

The diagnosis from the mechanic I'm working with was that it's an issue of shocks but I'm not going to get it fixed immediately, will wait for a few months when shocks replacement gets due. Would love to read your explanation 

34 minutes ago, Gaurav said:

That's your call completely, but if Future tyre can spot a loose nut in one lift then previous guy should have also pointed before 1700 dhs spend. I agree it may not be greed but simple take it for granted attitude or too busy for proper diagnose, because if they knew that loose nut can bring some relief, they would have tighten it too to gain at least half a feather on their cap. Whatever the case it maybe, your 1700 gone, now how you convince yourself, its all in your mind.

Now table can turn INSTANTLY if you would have push them back with guarantee and then they will lift the car, lick the car and smell every corner for the real culprit.

How does this guarantee thing work? I mean I can ask for guarantee, but if it's just a verbal thing, anyway I can't enforce it right? Just curious . 

16 hours ago, Gaurav said:

Sorry to say but just don't be too happy with Furure tyres even, as they getting good reviews they started hiking price with tremendous decrease in service.

Last time I went there, waited for 1 hour for 15 min job and presented with 4X pricing. And that place has become total chaos now to get one small job done.

Is that Ayub, is he back in business...?

Oh yes Future Tyres is definitely chaotic. 

Yes I'm not going to that shop, I'm dealing with Mohsen separately. he's still working with a couple of workshops like a technical consultant of sorts, and imparts good information. 

Yep, on the left side, the coil spring had come loose, like it was still attached to the rod, but not covering it fully when the car was lifted, whereas on the right side it was fine. 

The guy told me this is a sign of the shocks needing to be replaced as the coil spring has cracked and is loose. 

I don't have a lot of technical expertise but honestly I'm trying as much as possible to learn about these things, but beyond a point you definitely need to trust the other person (if you're not a savvy mechanical whiz yourself). I am not happy that my car still has these sounds, as the issue was around suspensions and bushes, however, if the car is being lifted and being inspected, it doesn't take much effort to inspect the shocks too! 

I trust the guy as Barry recommended Mohsen and I have been going to him on and off for works on my Pajero, and have a good relation with him. Just not really happy this time as I felt this issue should've been identified sooner, it could've saved me a lot of time and some money too if i could've gone directly for the main issue. Like I said my bushes and rear brakes did need repair / replacement, but when an issue isn't diagnosed correctly after 2 or 3 inspections and a full day of work on the car, you tend to lose confidence in them, that's all. 

Anyway, I do like Future Tyres as well, I mean i find it very hard to communicate with the guys as most speak Arabic, but they seem to know their job very well, at least I've got a temporary relief through tightening of those bolts.

I'll save the shocks work for later

Not the tie rods , this is the rod for the shocks - i'm not sure what the technical term for the metal stick on which the spring coil is twisted around. 

Steering rack bushes the mechanic did mention, but he said these only go bad near 200k - 250k KM, so he's not expecting these to have gone bad so soon. 

@Gaurav, this guy is a Pajero specialist and I have given my car to him regularly for service now, I don't think it was an issue of being greedy, but just that they were maybe  really casual in handling my case i don't know, it's definitely something I am not happy about. 

@Keithryan, So after getting the upper and lower arm bushes replaced and rear brakes changed, the car has definitely become much smoother but the clonking sound still didn't go away, it is still there whenever i turn my steering and straighten it later, or on speed bumps, or turns on inclines. 

Got my car rechecked, and then they discovered that on the left side, the spring coil of the shocks have loosened, and that the rod needs to be replaced. I'm a bit annoyed right now as this should have been checked anyway before I spend the 1700 dhs on parts and labour costs. Now they're saying the shocks will take separate work, however as it's expensive I decided to just delay it man. Yes the bushes and brakes needed replacement, but I would'be expected the shocks to be checked as part of their routine suspension checks, and not as a new discovery after doing all the work as I could've saved some parts and labour cost. 

Anyway next thing I did was to goto Future Tyres Trading in Ras Al Khor, to get wheels rotated, and get alignment of car fixed as the bushes replacement and lathe pressing resulted in a slight disalignment. There, I made the same clonking complain, and the guys tightened the screws on the 2 bolts (on the axle I think?) beneath the bushes, both front and back.. This simple tightening seems to have massively improved the clonking noise, the car is driving much smoother. The noise stitll comes, it's not as loud and not as frequent. They explained that when the bolts are not tightened properly or when they get a little lose, this noise often comes from the base of the car. 

So I seem to have a shocks replacement required on the left side as the spring has come loose and doesn't cover the rod fully, which the guy said is a sign of needing replacement.. However I do have temporary relief by tightening of the 2 bolts both front and back under the bushes. Hope this helps? 

Ok so after getting the upper and lower arm bushes replaced and rear brakes changed, the car has definitely become much smoother but the clonking sound still didn't go away, it is still there whenever i turn my steering and straighten it later, or on speed bumps, or turns on inclines. 

Got my car rechecked, and then they discovered that on the left side, the spring coil of the shocks have loosened, and that the rod needs to be replaced. I'm a bit annoyed right now as this should have been checked anyway before I spend the 1700 dhs on parts and labour costs. Now they're saying the shocks will take separate work, however as it's expensive I decided to just delay it man. Yes the bushes and brakes needed replacement, but I would'be expected the shocks to be checked as part of their routine suspension checks, and not as a new discovery after doing all the work as I could've saved some parts and labour cost. 

Anyway next thing I did was to goto Future Tyres Trading in Ras Al Khor, to get wheels rotated, and get alignment of car fixed as the bushes replacement and lathe pressing resulted in a slight disalignment. There, I made the same clonking complain, and the guys tightened the screws on the 2 bolts (on the axle I think?) beneath the bushes, both front and back.. This simple tightening seems to have massively improved the clonking noise, the car is driving much smoother. The noise stitll comes, it's not as loud and not as frequent. They explained that when the bolts are not tightened properly or when they get a little lose, this noise often comes from the base of the car. 

So I seem to have a shocks replacement required on the left side as the spring has come loose and doesn't cover the rod fully, which the guy said is a sign of needing replacement.. However I do have temporary relief by tightening of the 2 botls both front and back under the bushes. Hope this helps? 

I heard from somebody they were building something for hockey, another said something else so really not sure what was their plan .... 

Btw, it's nice knowing you're in sports city, it would be nice to meet you over a cup of tea sometime 

2 hours ago, Srikumar said:

This is because your rear differential bushings have failed. To change the entire arm would cost a lot. So you might have to search for the bushings separately and replace them.

Doing the same for my Jeep, but with Jeeps you get the bushings more easily. Pajero will be a bit more of a challenge.

And also dont try to replace the control arms with those from the scrap yard as they would also be equally worn out.

Yeah the original is only available with the entire assembly which is really expensive, so I'm resorting to opting for Taiwan parts.

Yes Frederic, the less said about Sports City the better. Specially those manholes, I've never seen any such community in Dubai where they can't even get that right 

2 hours ago, Keithryan said:

It's definitely from the rear, but not beneath my (driver) seat. But pretty sure it's on the left side. I should probably get someone to drive while I stick my ear on the floor on the 2nd or even 3rd row. 

Are changing the rear bushes as well? If yes, then I will really look forward to hearing how it goes. Hopefully it does the job for you. 

 

I'm not changing the rear. think pajero runs on rear differentials? Just getting front upper arm and lower arm bushes replaced. Sure, I will let you know how it goes. 

1 hour ago, Keithryan said:

Also, if I tell the mechanic this, can they check and test all the rear bushes without having to take the car in a traffic, stop-and-go situation? 

Asking this as I've already suggested this to the garage who last worked on my car. The garage told me that they ran a 'spanner test' and found nothing. So I am starting to doubt the reliability of the 'test' they did. 

I think the mechanic should be able to check this in a garage. They usually do a small drive around, but if u specify it for them they'll check it directly. You can try Mohsen, the guy I go to, he's pretty good with Pajeros (0529533434). 

I have this exact same sound but mosly when my car has recently started after some pause of few hours, when I'm driving over speedbumps, or driving up from my basement parking (so gradient and turning at slow speed). The guy I'm getting this fixed through has said it's the bushes, and they may have cracked. I made a post on this 'bushes and brakes replacement' recently. 

I hope this sounds goes away. I can update you once I've got the bushes changed in a day or two and report on whether this sound has gone or not? 

Just a clarification, this sound feels like coming from the base of the car right, somewhere around the front or right beneath your seat? Cuz that's where I'm getting the clunking sounds from 

There is an insane amount of speedbreakers and bumps in Sports City, haha I'm 100% sure most of my brakes get worn driving around my living area :

With a Pajero, I rarely run the risk of braking too late as anyways the car needs some time break smoothly so I usually maintain distance and very rarely need to smash breaks. I do drive with a lot lane changes and light breaks going to office and coming back but none of it is what one would consider hard breaking, I think I do manage it well. 

I do more of mountain off roading than desert, so often traversing through hard rocks or coming down on steep gradients can also effect brakes I guess? 

I think i have done about 30-35000 KM in 18 months. 

Hello guys, 

So my pajero has been making noises for a few months when I apply brakes or go on a gradient at slow speed, specially when I switch on the car and exit my underground parking, or when I stop on speedbumps. 

I got my car checked from a trusted source, and it appears my upper and lower arm bushes are cracked and need to be changed, plus rear brakes also need a change. I've been informed original parts for bushes are not available, they're selling the full assembly, hence a more cost effective option to go for Taiwan parts for bushes. Just wanted to know if that effects performance? the guy told me they'll last a lot less but won't affect performance of the car. as they'll fit them through lathe pressing (which I dont understand tbh). 

They also said my front brakes are at 35% and need to be replaced. My only issue with that is I just changed my front brakes 18 months ago, is it usual for brakes to wear out so quickly specially when I don't do weekly offroading or anything, just sometimes? The total work is costing me around 1700 dirhams which includes upper and lower arm bushes, rear brake pads, skimming, lathe pressing, and includes the car's usual service at 130000 KM. 

Seems to be fair deal on paper, just wanted to understand if I am running any risks on this, or should I replace front brakes as well? Would love some feedback

Once you drive another car for a number of days, you always feel strange driving a Pajero as I always find a big difference. Pajero steeering is generally heavy. Happened to me too post vacation where I drove a BMX X1 whose steering was slick as anything. Came back and thought there's something wrong with my Pajero. 

Having said that, I do feel my Pajero's steering wheel keeps varying in terms of heaviness from time to time. Sometimes it feels super heavy, and sometimes becomes really light on the hand. and I am not talking post car wash or service where it becomes generally lighter. I am talking about daily use. It's weird, could be something wrong with my car as well .. 

The fytoplankton is definitely a superb experience. You can rent the dhows and stay on the boat overnight in the middle of the sea, and go swimming at night, its a really superb experience and one I will always remember with all the glowing plankton. Although you also have to be lucky that the moon isn't out, that's when it shows you the best results! 

@syedyaseer, you can only re-enter UAE on a visit visa if you have a multiple entry visit visa for the UAE. Also, on a UAE visit visa, not all nationalities can get on-arrival Omani visit visa. If any visitors are planning to enter Oman, better for them to check their nationalities with Omani consulate, or just apply for Omani visit visa beforehand, while applying for UAE multiple entry visit visa also. 

Else, as Rahimdad says, best to directly check with Omani consulate. 

Will post a detailed comment soon on your question on Musandam / Khasab routes. However, definitely enter through Ras Al Khaimah border, that's surely the better and more well connected drive.

I visited Wadi Shawka few months ago (Jan / Feb can't remember). The location of the pools shared is very seasonal, you'll only see water there after lot of rains, as when I went there using the UAE off-road book, there was nothing there. 

Disappointed, I did not give up and went inside the Wadi Shawka area towards the Dam, There I found out that even the road access for cars to reach the top of the dam had been closed off (I am not sure if this was only for the season or what, either way doesn't make sense). So you have to park at the bottom next to the small park adjacent to the dam. 

https://goo.gl/maps/2A67Hte7aik

You can walk up to the dam (5-10 minutes walk) and circle around it for nice views. There is also an adventurous trekking / hiking trail next to the dam. If you see on the mountains to your left, you will notice a narrow pathway that sort of gives a nice balcony view of the Wadi Shawka beyond the dam. 

https://goo.gl/maps/11FiHB4FVd92

Not happy with how this trip was shaping, I spotted a car on the other side of the dam where there was no road and immediately wanted to go there. I asked around, searched around the off-road tracks till I ended up there. This location is not in the UAE off road book either, however' it's the same location which @Gaurav showed lots of cars parked next to the water. It's a very picturesque point gives the view of the dam from the back side along with nice hills and small pools (sometimes).

As going into the water was prohibited there (dam!) and also water wasn't clean, I went deeper into the valley as per the off-road book, it really is a very enjoyable and adventurous off-road drive. Wadi Shawka is challenging as there are many routes branching out hence there will invariably be some wrong route driving specially if you dont have a GPS (like me!). I was on a mission to find me some of those pools that I had heard about.

On the same path, there comes a slight 5 second uphill drive where on the right you will see an Emirates Tent / Adventure hut. If you don't go up and continue on the right, there are the hidden Shawka pools. I found some maintenance guys on the road entrance who confirmed this to me. It's a stretch to call it a road actually its mostly large loose pebbles / rocks you can drive all the way inside but you can also get stuck if you're not that good driving on rocks. I drove in for a little bit where the drive was acceptable, parked my car and walked about 10 minutes inside to find a lovely pool, deep enough to jump from heights! What's more, there are a series of pools beyond the main pool which you can climb and trek through. I didn't have much time so I didn't explore it further but this is definitely something I am returning to do this weekend! 

Co-ordinates: 25.099694, 56.061761

After enjoying the pools, you can actually go back a little bit and get into the main Wadi Shawka off-road drive, which may require at certain stages crossing through heavy water, as I experienced! Definitely need a 4x4 for this, what a great thrill though. Also, through the core Wadi Shawka drive, you pass through some of the private lodges that people have built. There's a fantastic lodge I came across where a local had even kept horses and a nice BBQ area and resting area. Using the off-road UAE book, you can do a superb off-road drive through Wadi Shawka and actually end up on the other side of the mountain. Basically you enter Wadi Shawka through the Sharjah-Kalbah Road and exit through the Maleha-Fujairah Road. Towards the end of this off-road drive, there's this zig-zagging off road track that you may notice going high up in the mountains where a local has actually built a house / palace. I'd like to take that road one day and look around the valley from that height. 

I highly recommend Wadi Shawka. Will also upload images to this post later. I got lost a lot through this, but that added to the thrill and adventure of the ride as I found so many places / routes. 

I also called Al Nahda as @Gaurav suggested before purchasing these and it seems their prices were higher. 

Also, the 3+1 Yokohama deal was on Pitstop Arabia if I'm not wrong and it was only for 2017 tyres. Maybe i missed the 2018 deal? 

Anyway, thanks to all for their really valuable feedback I've learned so much in this purchase really. I hope A/T G012 turns out to be good choice for me as I am not a heavy off roader but got really tempted by all the test videos I checked on Youtube for this tyre 😁 and i just want something like that whenever i go off roading.

I will also be buying Hankook Ventus Prime tires for a Hyundai Veloster 215/40/R18, which apparently also are OEM for Velosters. There's not much of a price difference on Pitstop Arabia and Future Tires themselves, so thinking of just ordering them online from their to the nearest available workshop near my place (Stop & Go in Motor City).