Accident Repair in Kampar

Today's journey was meant to be a leisurely drive to explore the old Highway 1 and enjoy the nostalgic scenery as we headed north. However, the trip took an unexpected turn. Along the way, I noticed an unusual rattling noise coming from the front of the car. Upon a quick inspection, I discovered small cracks on the firewall.

When we reached Kampar, I decided to check the car more thoroughly. To my dismay, the cracks on the wheel arch had worsened significantly. Allowing the vibration to continue unchecked would have accelerated the damage, leading to even larger cracks. I realized that a stopgap repair was crucial and delaying it would only worsen the situation.

After asking around, I learned about a reputable metalworks repairer in town. Without hesitation, we drove straight to his workshop. The repairer, recognizing the urgency of the problem and understanding our predicament as travelers, attended to the car immediately.

It was incredible to think that a major body repair was being carried out during what was supposed to be a simple day trip. This unplanned detour completely disrupted our schedule, especially since we still aimed to complete an ambitious route—dashing to Ipoh and back to Kuala Lumpur, all within the same day.

Yet, the surprises didn’t end there. I later discovered two more issues with the car that required attention, making it a total of three rectifications in a single day.

We convinced him that it would be a straightforward task after we had removed the fuel tank. The whole frontage of the car would be bear for him to work on. Reluctantly he agreed and we got to work immediately. Mr. Loo is a very experienced hand at his business and a proud workman. Still extremely fit at 62 years, he patched up the cracked front wall of the car’s body in a way that I had not seen for a long time.

First, the heavy mining of the Karsts hills marred the majestic panoramic view these outcrops have once created in Simpang Pulai.

Once more - more problem

Rather pleased with the repair job and calm enough to enjoy a late lunch, we had our second meal in Kampar.

The whole episode made the week's outing interesting instead of frustrating. It only confirmed that not all outings are full of roses and exciting discovery of nature! The breakdown and the subsequent efforts made to overcome the obstacles reinforce our belief that each week should be eventful. Tragedy though dreaded is also another memorable event.

It was very late and the gray sky was reminding us of the “scheduled” afternoon showers. We went on our way to the beautiful limestone district just outside Ipoh..

There was still time enough for us to accomplish our mission for the day. We headed north to Ipoh. A short way out of town the noise came back! What? Have we diagnosed the faults wrongly

We had given the car a wrong remedy!

5 Since were on the Simpang Pulai Road Checked the limestone

6 We should call it a day and return to town for help

7 One last pictures and enough for today

Frantically we backtracked into Kampar town and suspected that the front torsion bars ran dry of grease.

 This time we were not that lucky and we ran into foul moods of the people we we encountered. We met with negative responses, rejection and apathy from the service station operators on the loan of a grease gun. Finally found one mechanic shop. The town’s only mechanic was on hand and he  greased the 2 nipples the car had and the disturbing noises unbelievably gone.

Feeling relieved for the second time, we left town. A couple of kms out, the noise came back. I was flabbergasted as to what else could have gone wrong with this car. Stopped under a tree to carry out a proper looked through. Another new suspect, the least expected front wheel bearings were badly worn out.

3rd time tragedy

For the third time we seek help. The mechanic was helpful very quickly opened up to confirm that it was seized bearing.

The next hour was spent cycling around Kampar town looking for replacement bearings.

What a day it turned out to be! Reflecting on the events, I couldn’t help but question my own skills in automotive engineering. How had I failed to detect such glaring warning signs and anticipate these faults? Perhaps stepping away from my old job and losing interest in the technical aspects of the car had made me complacent. I had begun to treat the vehicle as just another tool, forgetting the care and attention it required.

Or maybe time had dulled my vigilance, fostering a lax attitude. Worse still, I might have been overconfident in the reliability of the "People's Car," believing in its famed ability to endure field repairs with minimal tools and skills.

This day served as a wake-up call—a moment of self-revelation. It tested my assumptions, forcing me to confront my neglect