My 08 grande punto has started making a knocking noise when driving-noise is coming from the drivers side wheel area. The garage suspect that this could be the top strut mount but don't think it wise to take the car apart and have a look just yet (incase it's not). Problem is it only happens on a hot day like today? Any thoughts on what it could be?!

Thanks in advance

Sounds very likely that it is the mounts, try turning the wheel full lock while stationary and see if you get the noise?

Yup it makes the noise when stationary and turning the wheel. Would this be normal for it to only do it in the hot weather though?

sounds like top strut mount ,had one go on mine quite a common problem acording to the dealer .

yes the mount ends up letting water in so on a hot day this evaporates leaving the barings dry *(they usually sit in grease but the grease washes out and lets water in which does mute the noise)*


take it sounds like a busted bed when you slowly turn the wheel?


https://www.fiatforum.com/grande-pu...-top-bearing-removal-service-replacement.html

Good description-sounds just like that! Is it ok to drive-safe etc? Just wondering on urgency to get sorted...

the noise could also be a broken spring if you can confirm the sound is a sticking strut top bearing it should be ok to drive but get it sorted ASAP as it makes steering hard work putting undue stress on the spring and steering assembly ......


(i had one done under warranty and in normal mode after the repair it felt like i had city mode on)

checking top strut bearing takes seconds....I suggest you try another garage!

i had a similar problem a few months ago and thought it was the strut, but i also had a metallic and a plasticcy ratte sometimes when driving around. there was also sometimes a single knock when turning the wheel. in my case it was the droplinks which were quite stiff. I replaced those and I've never had a rattle since

Just to update; this hot weather has made the noise much worse so took the car to the local stealer who advised that the anti rollbar links have worn. Got a 2nd opinion from an independent garage who think it is poss the steering rack bush (they say the anti roll links are fine!).

The independent garage say it's ok to drive-safe and not knackering anything. They will fix a similar prob on their car 1st to try and eliminate it before they mess about with ours.

Any thoughts on the steering rack bush?! The noise is soo annoying, only happening up to 20mph though.

So...........whats the latest?

Our local garage are going to fix it on their car (06 gp making same noise) which will confirm what is causing the problem-they say they r not 100% sure on cause and will use their car as a guinea pig. Just waiting for a call to take it down there-could be a few weeks yet. Will update with any news!

Thought I would post an update incase anyone else is having similar issues;
Our 'trusty' local garage has not yet fixed their car or got back to us. Last week in the hot weather the noise case back with a vengeance....but now its cold again it has gone! Service and MOT today and passed ok (didn't mention it to the garage). Would the garage check the strut top, anti roll bar etc in an MOT?

On another note, garage did say that timing belt is due next service though (5 years).

Diagnosis of top strut mounts is a easy job (normally takes seconds), I would go elsewhere.