After changing the bearing, the noise really went away?

Doesn't look that bad... After repair, should be fine.

230k, probably you can inspect or replace the following:

i) Serpentine belt;
ii) Iridium Spark plugs;
iii) Check / replace lower arms;
iv) Check / replace shock absorbers;
v) Replace fuel filter;
vi) Replace ATF filter;
vii) Check / replace brake pads.

Trying to give a new life into an old aging car

The original Honda emblem started chipping away and so I replace it with this fake emblem.

If you guys are interested, can get from Shopee or Lazada. Make sure it's Type B (smaller emblem) and not Type A (Bigger emblem).



This post has been edited by Thrust: Feb 22 2020, 10:07 AM

Based on my experience, there are 2 possibilities assuming you are driving the E spec version:

1) The reclining board which can flip down is lose. You can get something to stick it tight or put your rear seat all the way to recline down. It should eliminate the noise.

2) This is also has to do with the seat. The City rear seat hinges will get a bit loose can leave a bit gap between the seat hinges and the reclining seat striker plate. You can try to use black tape and make the reclining seat striker plate a bit thicker. That way, there will be no gap and this will eliminate the knocking sound.

Below is the illustration of how the striker plate looks like.



This post has been edited by Thrust: Mar 22 2020, 09:09 AM

It very difficult to determine whether it's fake or original. This is because those fake ATF oil reuses the Honda bottle.

Best if you can get them at your trusted spare parts dealer or Honda authorized parts dealer.

If follow Honda SC procedure, TMO ATF replacement should be 60,000KM.

However, I don't think the ATF can last that long.

My suggestion is also to replace the ATF every 20 - 25,000KM. As for the ATF filter, I normally change them every 60,000KM.

There is rationale on why we replace every 20,000km.

By right if we follow the 60,000km replacement schedule, the proper way is to perform a 3 times drain and refill method to get 90% of the old fluid out.

Since the above method is quite hassle as you need to do the procedure 3 times, it is better off replacing the fluid every 20,000km each time to keep the fluid fresh and gearbox healthy.

This post has been edited by Thrust: Apr 24 2020, 05:21 PM

Although Honda recommends 40k to replace the cvt fluid, i would suggest to change them at 20k. This is because cvt gearboxes are more fragile. Old fluid may not have the additives left to protect the oil seals in it.

When was the last time you replaced your key FOB battery? Sometimes if the battery is weak, it will not unlock also.

Try to replace the key FOB battery first see whether it can work?

I don't think its the car battery. If it is weak, you can't start your car but to unlock the door, it needs only minimal amount of power.

The City alarm sound is very soft only. If it sound, just cincai press those buttons or worse case, unplug the battery negative terminal.

I suggest you go to Mr DIY and replace your key FOB battery first.

Remote no function to sound the alarm.

To be honest with you, I've owned this car for 10 years and I've not heard its alarm sound even once

Previously when the car was new, many owners complained the City alarm sound is very soft.

This post has been edited by Thrust: May 6 2020, 12:23 PM

You can try and then update us

If you install stage 1 (front struts and rear anti-roll bar 16mm), you will notice an improvement but it is subtle.

If stage 1 only, it won't affect suspension that much.

Ride comfort it will be affected slightly. I did the installation 10 years ago and it cost me around RM580 for stage 1.

In my opinion, if you don't drive fast or take corners fast, keeping your car stock is the best.

Honestly, I think it could be the springs. After 10 years, it may have started to lose it's tension. That's why you felt something is different.

I do notice after 10 years, the car seems to be lowered slightly.

I would suggest to not invest too much onto the car. The TMO is a reliable and solid car and you can basically use it for many years to come. I plan to keep using mine as long as possible.

It is after all still a 10 year old car. We need to lower down our expectations as it will not handle as good as new. I think better save those funds and keep it for future repair and maintenance.

There will be parts that requires changes in the foreseeable future such as the wheel bearing, steering rack, EPS motor cooling fan motors to name a few.

This post has been edited by Thrust: May 8 2020, 07:22 AM

Any improvement in the ride quality and handling?

I replaced my absorbers to KYB Excel-G. Somehow the ride seems to be stiffer now as compared to the original. I can feel small bumps on the road now.

Mine all in.. include labour around 750.