The usual 10k kms were done by May itself, but since I had only limited running, I thought of pushing the service to late June
Blacnwyte recently shared this with other enthusiasts:
UPDATE : Ninth Service /(8 year/80000 kms)
Like last time, the usual 10k kms were done by May itself, but since I had only limited running, I thought of pushing the service to late June. However, since my careless encounter with the wall led to damage to the LH ORVM, I thought of getting Panda serviced at the next possible time.
So booked an appointment with HASS Karakkamandapam, Trivandrum (Popular Hyundai), which has become my default service destination when in Trivandrum now. Appointment was taken for 07/06/2025, and I reached the HASS by 9:30 AM. This time, however, I didn’t have to wait much and within 10 mins SA came to me for assessing the works that need to be done.
Straightaway, he said that the clutch has become hard and will need replacement. I told it’s not that hard (which I later found to be wrong), but to check if it really needs replacement, as it is an expensive job. Regarding the ORVM, he told that child parts are available for the mirror but the outer casing (black frame) which I dented, is not available separately. So I will have to get the full mirror assembly replaced it seems. He further told that they do not have the part in stock and will have to order. So I asked him to inform me the cost of the part and then I’ll tell him how to proceed. I also asked about the minor dent and scratch corrections, for which he told the body shop SA will give me a quote.
From the remaining periodic service works, this time I removed the windshield fluid filling, evaporator coil cleaning and interior disinfection. But I agreed to the engine bay cleaning, rodent protection and greasing and lubrication of all joints and hinges, which I could have done by myself but now cost me around Rs. 2500/-. I also asked them to weld the holes in the exhaust but not to put any coating on them as I know it to be a waste from my experience last time.
The remaining were routine periodic services like engine oil change (mineral oil – I insisted), oil filter, o-ring, brake overhaul, and interior and exterior cleaning. Additional works like cowl top cleaning were offered but I rejected.
A WhatsApp group was created, including me, SA, SM, and technicians, where I received regular updates and short videos of work being done. I was informed that the ORVM assembly costs about Rs. 6500/- + labour for replacement, so I decided to defer it for now. However, I never got any info from the body shop SA regarding the denting and painting works, and I didn’t pursue it.
The works were completed on 09/06/2025 by 4 PM, but since I was tied up at work I decided to take delivery on 10/06/2025 morning. So reached the HASS at 9 AM and as expected, the dents and scratches were not touched. Took a very short test drive with the SA and I was pleasantly surprised at the lightness of the clutch. Feather light. I had forgotten how light the clutch was when Panda was new.
The total Bill came to Rs. 27760/-, the highest service bill till now. Clutch parts cost about Rs. 8000/-, and the labour cost was also the same. The regular service cost was around Rs. 4000/-, and taxes were close to Rs. 5000/-. Paid the amount and took Panda to the office.
On the way, I observed that there is a judder while releasing the clutch pedal just at the biting point. It is slight in 1st and 2nd gear but more pronounced from 3rd gear onwards. Since in traffic, I could go only up to 5th gear, all gear changes caused vibration on the clutch pedal. On the return drive home, the judder was evident in all gears. I have parked Panda and informed the same to the SA. I have made an appointment for this Saturday, and till then, Panda will stay parked.
I suspect it could be some issues with flywheel polishing or there could be air in the system. Bleeding might not have been done properly. Apart from this issue, the clutch is very light, and the pickup has improved a lot. I got the old parts back and upon inspection of the old clutch plate, it was seen all the grooves were intact so it might still had life in it, but I’m not going to rethink the replacement decision now. Photos of the old parts are attached below.
Old Clutch Cover Assembly/ Pressure Plate
Old Clutch Plate
Old Clutch Release Bearing
Old Slave Cylinder
They damaged my battery cover.
P.S.- I have tried to repair the ORVM and slightly succeeded. The mirror and turn indicator needs to be replaced. If I get the black outer frame (will try from the second hand market/ scrap) maybe this unit can be salvaged.
Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.
