I've got a beautiful (in my opinion ) 2009, 72000km Grande Punto. About 2000km ago or so, I've started noticing some kind of knocking when making *very* small adjustments with the steering wheel.
My initial thought were strut mounts. However, when feeling+listening the front suspension/coil, while generating the knocking, you can barely feel anything at all.
If you feel the wheels the knocking can however be felt.
For me it sounds/feels like the knocking comes from the steering rack (NOT the column!).
There are no sounds when driving over speed bumps, cornering, driving in a circle etc. Only when making small adjustments (and the speed is low enough so you can hear it).

Here is a video of this phenomena, please pay attention to the fact that the sound only comes when turning VERY slowly (we are talking mm adjustments, almost not visible). Also don't pay attention to the other sounds (power steering motor etc.), because of how audio recording works you can't hear those as the driver, while the knocking is pretty loud.

https://vid.me/STLF

do a simple test

Switch off the engine and test again. Is the knock feeling still there?

cmosfxx said:

do a simple test

Switch off the engine and test again. Is the knock feeling still there?

Click to expand...

Yes it still knocks, and it feels even more "knocky". But still, only when turning very slowly while trying to do the smallest adjustments. When turning more - it's all smooth and quiet.

Also, let med add that I did a full multiECUscan, and there was nothing.

Bumping my own thread in hope somebody else notices it. I hope that is okay.

Do you think my punto will pass the MOT test with this?

MartinMan said:

Bumping my own thread in hope somebody else notices it. I hope that is okay.

Do you think my punto will pass the MOT test with this?

Click to expand...

As long as there is no free play in the system , then it SHOULD be o.k.,
in some respects it would be nice if they found the cause and advised of it's nature..

you didn't say - what engine in your GP..??

Charlie

Is by any chance the plastic cowling around steering column rubbing against the steering wheel? Spray some silicon lube around it and see if it helps

MartinMan said:

Yes it still knocks, and it feels even more "knocky". But still, only when turning very slowly while trying to do the smallest adjustments. When turning more - it's all smooth and quiet.

Also, let med add that I did a full multiECUscan, and there was nothing.

Click to expand...

The noise is not related to EPS motor problems etc that's good.

It sounds more like a plastic to plastic rubbing noise.

Try to find exactly where it's coming from.

Is this only a noise problem or you can feel it on the steering wheel? Like it's a bit tight?

Try to look where digger58 says.
Make sure there is no plastic part rubbing steering wheel. There should be a good clearance around the steering wheel and the plastic part.

varesecrazy said:

you didn't say - what engine in your GP..??

Click to expand...

1.4 the 77kW version

cmosfxx said:

It sounds more like a plastic to plastic rubbing noise.

Try to look where @digger58 says.
Make sure there is no plastic part rubbing steering wheel. There should be a good clearance around the steering wheel and the plastic part.

Click to expand...

I've made sure that the sound isn't coming from plastic/rubber parts around the steering wheel. It doesn't sound like it in real life, only on the video. It sounds more like a gears/springs metal-ish sound.

cmosfxx said:

Is this only a noise problem or you can feel it on the steering wheel? Like it's a bit tight?

Click to expand...

I think it handles normally. However I had a friend note that it's a bit tight for a car with power steering (without city-mode activated).

cmosfxx said:

Try to find exactly where it's coming from.

Click to expand...

I'm almost certain it's coming from the steering rack (beyond where the camera is pointing).

If anyone got repair ideas, or what else I could try it would be great . Well other than trying to change the whole steering rack .

Also, another 3000km, and the sound hasn't changed. So at least it isn't getting worse.

MartinMan said:

1.4 the 77kW version


I've made sure that the sound isn't coming from plastic/rubber parts around the steering wheel. It doesn't sound like it in real life, only on the video. It sounds more like a gears/springs metal-ish sound.



I think it handles normally. However I had a friend note that it's a bit tight for a car with power steering (without city-mode activated).



I'm almost certain it's coming from the steering rack (beyond where the camera is pointing).

If anyone got repair ideas, or what else I could try it would be great . Well other than trying to change the whole steering rack .

Also, another 3000km, and the sound hasn't changed. So at least it isn't getting worse.

Click to expand...

:idea: undo the 2 x ball joints on the tie-rods.. join the steering to the front hubs,
then try the steering again,
it'll feel a little "lighter" - but may help pin point where the sound is coming from..

I have the same noise as you only when i turn right. Even if i make small adjustments to the right, noise is there and i can feel croaking the steering wheel.

[ame]https://youtu.be/vAs38yaECE0[/ame]

I have changed top strut mounts, shock absorbers, drop links, inner and outer tie rods. No result.

I don't know what to check/replace any more. :-(

There is a thread somewhere here about the pinch bolt on the steering column bottom joint. maybe check that joint. just found the post, here's a link,
https://www.fiatforum.com/grande-punto/433990-steering-please-help.html

That sounds similar (but not identical to) my daughter's car when the power steering motor started to fail. The motor is at the bottom of the steering column, between the underside off the dashboard and the bulkhead. Put your hand on it while you make small steering adjustments and see if you can feel the knocking coming through it.

Also, try disconnecting the track rod ends and swivel each front wheel and strut by hand to see if you can feel any tichtness there.

Thank you.
I'll do that. Hope to get this done.

marius21 said:

I have the same noise as you only when i turn right. Even if i make small adjustments to the right, noise is there and i can feel croaking the steering wheel.

https://youtu.be/vAs38yaECE0

I have changed top strut mounts, shock absorbers, drop links, inner and outer tie rods. No result.

I don't know what to check/replace any more. :-(

Click to expand...

Is the noise there with the engine off?

No, only with the engine on. When the engine is off, it's very hard to move the steering wheel.

Then your problem is related to the steering column (EPS fail)

Problem solved. It was the steering sensor but i replaced the whole steering column. Now it's everything OK.

Thanks guys!