(T) Rear Subframe

Ever since we have had our Stilo (first reg feb 2002) we have had an annoying noise from the rear when going round left hand corners on bumpy roads.

Dealer originally thought it was a loose brake caliper and then recently agreed this was not the problem and spent some time with the car trying to establish the problem.

It is now having a new rear subframe fitted !!

If anyone else has this problem there is apparantly a service b ulletin about it

Yes, according to Fiat (at least, a while ago) the subframe was only a construction problem on the first series of 1.6 models.
But a lot of owner of other types (mostly Abarth) have this problem to, those where made march-july 2002, so could are generally considerd second series. Of course min creaks too, I have mentioned it to the dealer, so far, not fixed. Some people have had (mostly temporary) fixes by greasing the rubbers.

Abarth 3d Black Moire + 17" + cdc + "718" + Sebring TS4

Hi

I've got the same problem with my Stilo 1.6. It's noticably worse when people are sat in the back.

After speaking to my local dealer, he says that they've checked the rear subframe for "play", which mine has none. He said that, if there is no improvement over the next few weeks, they'll fit a new subframe and bushes.

Watch this space!

Just got ours back, I haven't driven it yet but my wife says much better car feels more solid and like a new car again. :)

Stilo Active 1.2 5 Door/ Panda 4X4

Recently had a MW as a courtesy car, that was a much tighter drive than my Abarth. I just thought that was because of the increased wheelbase/length/weight of the car. Maybe it is because of a proper suspension being fitted nowadays.

Abarth 3d Black Moire + 17" + cdc + "718" + Sebring TS4

I took my 1.6 dynamic 5dr into my local dealer today because of squeaking and a bit of rumbling from the rear suspension. I called Fiat head office and spoke to somebody adout the subframe problem. He said if the dealer doesn't know about a technical bulletin regarding the subframe, get them to call the head office. But they should all know about it. Well my dealer knew all about it thankfully and the part is on order. I'm interested to see the result of the work. Not only the noise, but I think the car sometimes feels a bit wayward when cornering. When I first got the car i was impressed by the way it cornered considering how tall it is.

Can anyone tell me how long does it take to replace the rear subframe? thanks

They told me they would need it all day because i'm having a loan car while it's been done.

When mine was done the warranty invoice we had to sign was for 2.5 hours labour

Stilo Active 1.2 5 Door/ Panda 4X4

You dont actually need a whole new rear subframe, as this is costly. You can buy a pair of rear subframe bushes for around £25 that are cheap and easy to fit. This solves the problem of "knocking". http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/MODIFIED-REAR-...QQcmdZViewItem

Thats correct but later models had the modified rear axle anyway and as you say the bushes are around the £25 mark ..now for the early models we understand that these also are availabe now and can be fitted instead of a complete replacement of the rear beam

But they are for a Punto??

Yes they were specifically manufactured for the common problem of knocking on the Punto series. Basically they cup around the old, worn, bushes to compress the whole thing together and irradicate the noise. I hope this helps. Jason.

P.S if this doesn't help and the knocking continues it is most likely it is your rear radius arms (another common problem with Puntos). There is also a repair kit on the market to solve this and they are around £25 each to do one arm.

I've had a knocking noise since I bought the car, but its an 03 1.2 You reckon it could be the same problem?