Feb 19, 2015 05:02 PM
83835 Views
The issue pertains to safety of the Duster on Pune-Mumbai Expressways, especially driving / negotiating downhill bends which have a camber. The new Dusters wheel alignment:toe-in, camber readings were off spec(less than 10, 000kms) which I came to know only when I had a problem driving downhill on the Pune-Mumbai Expressway. It could therefore mean that the QA/QC checks followed at Renault factory is not stringent and meets international standards. Those who have also faced the same problem should speak up. Renault nor their dealers really care or respond to mails for whatever reason.
Renault / Dealers nor most of the Automobile companies really care about the safety on the vehicles nor offer adequate Customer Support. It appears their dealers are only competent to do the stipulated periodic Service on Vehicles. Driving within Pune city limits does not cause much of a problem since the speed as you know averages 35-40kmph max.
My Duster has completed around 10, 000 kms.
Last month on the Pune-Mumbai Expressway I faced excessive pulling to the right while negotiating the right bend with camber, going downhill. Even at a speed below 40 kmph I always felt that the car would topple over or I would loose control. Turning on the left bend was not much of a problem. On my return from Mumbai to Pune(uphill and on straight stretch) the drive was ok. I have driven other vehicles too on this stretch and there was no problems faced at even 100 kmph. I have also observed that a two more Dusters on the road were also being driven slowly. Request Renault to review the steering geometry afresh and sort out the problem urgently.
Therefore after my return to Pune I took my Duster to Pashankar Motors, Hadapsar, Pune for 10, 000 kms service and also for the said problem. Since there wheel alignment machine was still being installed I took an appointment(19.Jan.2015) for wheel alignment check, readings of which are in attachment. The toe-in was out of spec and had to be adjusted. The Wheel Camber too is out of spec range and they said it cannot be rectified, since the shock-absorber need to be replaced. I guess the technical guys are on the learning curve and it appears they were following a trial and error method. They used to figit with the fixtures on the wheel, etc. Throughout this period I was witness to the wheel alignment check.
Have sought help from RENAULT, but they have not bothered to respond. This is the second time I have written to Renault and they have not bothered to respond.
Hope Renault look into the problems before a major accident occurs.
