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Virtual mechanic

Car and bike questions? We have the answers

I have a Fiat Uno diesel Jubilee model which has run about 35,000 km. Can I fit 155/80-R13 tyres on the car as advised by my dealer? It seems slightly taller - will that cause any suspension problems?

Abraham John

As the 155/80-R13 would be slightly large for the Uno from its original 145/80-R13 size, it is advisable to fit the 155/70-R13 instead.

I have a Bajaj Pulsar-180. While it is nervous on wet surfaces and the front discs fade after some use, my real problem comes when I ride it at more than 100kph. The bike swings a lot and despite tightening the spokes and balancing the front wheel, the problem continues. Also, when any heavy vehicle zooms past, the bike seems to get unstable.

Amber Kher

Since brake fade is not an inherent problem in Pulsars, get the front disc liners cleaned and checked for any oil or grime on the pad surface. Check the engine mounting rubber bushes for any signs of cracking or other damage that can result in vibration. The swinging you are talking about seems to be the headshake that's related to the steering column. It makes riding very uncomfortable, causing severe instability. Take the bike to a good mechanic and here's where the problem may lie.

Make him check for absolutely free movement of the column in both directions with the bike on its main stand, the front wheel off the ground. If any undue resistance is found: first look at the rudimentary steering damper on your bike and check that the strip of metal rubbing on the steering column is absolutely clean and damage free. Loosen the column, check nuts and see that the column is not excessively tightened. Steering column cups, cones and race bearings must be in good condition and properly lubricated. Check all control cables and wiring for proper routing. They should not obstruct the movement of the bike's steering in any way.

I have a Maruti 1000. Can I fit the Esteem's dashboard in my car to increase the efficiency of the AC and smarten up the interior? Also, can the headlights and indicators of the new Esteem be fitted to the 1000? My car has done around 108,000km. Will performance and fuel economy improve if I use 91-octane fuel?

Ami-Kunal Sharma

Changing the instrument panel is not recommended - door trim will have to be changed as well, which is a nuisance. Air-con effectiveness has nothing to do with dashboard trim; it depends on the efficiency of the evaporator and condenser.

The bonnet and front fenders will need to be modified to accommodate the new Esteem's headlamps - this would be rather expensive.

Normally 87-octane fuel is sufficient. Performance will not improve perceptibly with 91-octane fuel.

Write in with your queries to wheels@thehindu.co.in

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