(G) Two Annoying Punto Problems!!

Right, well my Punto is great to drive but there's 2 problems that can make it a bit of a hassle. I bought the car second hand and these problems were highlighted when he sold it to me about a year ago, and it passed an MOT etc.

The first problem - when I put it on full lock to the left such as in reverse the steering becomes extremely heavy. It becomes so heavy infact that it pretty much is impossible to steer at all. The steering light on the dashboard comes on and the only way to "solve" this is to turn the engine off and then back on and then the steering is fine.

The second problem - when I have 5 people in my car, there's an annoying sound that comes from the back. When for instance I pull away there's a noise that comes from the back that almost makes it sound as if there's too much weight and it's not liking it. People always ask what the noise is so it's fairly loud.


Any ideas on my two problems? Please?!

Many thanks!

Steering: http://www.fiatforum.com/punto-guide...ng-column.html

As for the second problem sounds like the exhaust hitting the underside of the car. This is quite common. You will need to move the exhaust into a slightly different position so that it misses the underside when fully loaded

And it will get worse and worse, you have to have it fixed.

I had the steering column changed with a refurbished one, 700 leuri, with the current Euro change it was about 560 Pounds...

i think the weight problem might be to do with the rear springs, if the car spent the first half of its life with only one person in the front, the rear doesnt have any weight, and as the springs deteriorate, the "heavy" part of the spring doesnt get used. when you put lots of weight on the back, the "heavy" part of the spring thats been static for so long suddenly is called into action, and isnt appreachiating it. dont take my word for it though, i've jus heard of that happening before to second hand cars.

My Punto has the rear springs listed in it's MOT history as dangergously deteriorated (since replaced) and I assume this was probably what happened!

The only noise I get loaded up is the rear seats creaking and thats only when cornering and a certain larger person on the back seat; appears to be where the backrest pushes against the bodywork in the boot area.