On my '05 4x4 I've got a bit of gentle rumbling/knocking from the rear when I go over small bumps.

I should say I am not mechanical-minded, okay with polish and t-cut though.

Having a poke around underneath, I can't really find anything worn or loose, however in the middle of the rear coil springs there are some rubber things suspended from cone-shaped extrusions of the underbody. I assume these rubber things are to dampen or soften the springing. However they seem to be a bit loose – one could be pulled down out of its fitting (though it goes back up just as easily).

They seem to possibly bump the side of the coil springs, especially with side-to-side movement on an uneven surface, so I'm wondering if they could be cause of light rumbling/knocking? I imagine the cone-shaped part of the body above could amplify any knocking. I suppose taking them out completely at least prove whether they causing any noise (that would, at the moment, be beyond my abilities).

Anyone able to tell me exactly what these things do and any experience with them rattling or knocking around?

I'd have a guess it's one of the shock absorber mounting bushes.
They are prone to failing.

Get someone to bounce the rear end of the car while you look at each rear shock.
Look carefully at the bushes each end to see if there is any play in them.

Seconded - almost certainly the bushes on the shocks. They are a notorious Panda weak spot. 100HPs tend to suffer most due to the pounding they get but no reason why other Pandas won't succumb eventually. If that is the problem then don't go to Fiat for a replacement as you will just perpetuate the design flaw. Any decent aftermarket OES shock should have a proper bush. I've got Sachs on the back of my 100HP now - much better all round.

The plastic thing in the spring is the bump stop. They can fall off but, as you have already established, they are only an interference fit. When the fail they can rattle about inside the spring but so as long as it has not broken or actually dropped off of its own accord that will be fine.

Good luck

Cheers guys, I'll check out the rubber bushes as you suggest, I've been looking around but so far no luck – if anyone knows a good supplier of aftermarket shocks for the 4x4 (2005 - Mk 2?) perhaps they could kindly let me know? really appreciate it.

put some nylon ones in...i fit them to ninas panda 4x4 after year one....four years later, still there (but every so-often a squirt with white grease as they squeak alot)

The top bushes of rear shocks -- you can usually see the rubber pulling away from the metal 'tube' at the top of the shock. But, also worth checking the bolts there are tight: one of my replacement rear shocks started rattling after a few weeks: turned out the mechanic hadn't tightened it fully.

Try the online Fiat parts specialist: www.shop4parts.co.uk
Or a good motor factor...

Herts Hillhopper said:

.
also worth checking the bolts there are tight: one of my replacement rear shocks started rattling after a few weeks: turned out the mechanic hadn't tightened it fully.

Click to expand...

That's shocking!!

Goudrons said:

That's shocking!!

Click to expand...

I see what you did there.

No one uses Polybush suspension bushes in Fiats? They are all the range in Land Rovers.

They are becoming more widely used these days.
A lot of the Ploybush makers are doing new bushes almost daily.

I've no doubt if you measure the bush in the top of the Panda shock and rang someone like Floflex, Superflex or Deflex, they'll stock a top hat bush the right size and cut you a stainless inner for it.
http://www.superflex.co.uk/products.php?cat=393

Though they don't list bushes for certain cars, things like anti roll bar bushes can be ordered up if you just measure the bar and bush length, I did this with my Jag.

Thanks for all those replies, the bushes actually look okay, I'm wondering if the shock absorbers themselves might be getting towards end of their life, state of the roads and all? I don't want to throw money away, but might it be worth changing them? The car has done 38k miles, only on-road stuff. They don't seem to be leaking at all, but perhaps the ride and rattling would be improved?

I had a knocking noise coming from the back of my Fiat Panda 4x4 Climbing 2005.

I checked all of suggestions from this thread. Nothing seemed to be obvious.
There was a little movement in the suspension but even then it didn't appear to be the problem.

After 4 days of poking and prodding, gluing a camera to the underside of the car I found the problem.

One of the drop links was slightly detached, though still attached. 2mm movement was enough to make the decision to replace them.

It cost £12 each to change them.

The job took 4 hours to fix as the bolts on the anti roll bar and drop links were very rusted. I ended up cutting them off.

Hey presto no more noise, rattle or clunk. Phew.

Just thought you might like to know.