HI
new on the forum obviously. got a Mk1 UnoT
Just a couple of things (will think of more later)
Gidday - another Kiwi on the forum :woot:
First of: ive got this quite obvious knocking sound coming from the front suspension, 2 garages have been unable to workit out.
It sounds like something is loose and its knoking around over bumps n stuff.
The most likely causes, in order, are:
- Lower arm balljoint, easiest to replace the whole arm for around $100
- Anti-roll bar bush - on the arm, these are never very good to begin with
- Inner CV joint bolts (six hex-socket bolts that may work loose)
- Strut bolts - check they're tight
- Steering rack bush - see below
- Strut top mounting - remove strut, use spring compressors, and take the mounting apart/inspect. Parts are interchangeable with other Unos and the mounting/bearing is not a common failure so second-hand would be OK. Generally you would get a creaking/knocking when you turn the steering with the car standing still. Also, if you jack up the wheels, they should turn freely from side to side with no shuddering of the strut spring (if the top mounting is good.)
For replacement parts (genuine), my favourite source in Auckland is Italian Auto Centre, 23 Salesyards Rd, Otahuhu, 09 276 7245.
Only thing i can think of is, the powerstering has never workd, and the fuild is leaking out, wondered if something in that setup, could be loose or somethn???
Hmmmmmmmmmmmm....
My powersteering has never worked either, 'cause it's never been fitted
Seriously, I've never seen an Uno with power steering. In the event that yours has it, it must be a special conversion (pump on the engine, reservoir, metal pipes on the steering rack?) We need photos!
Steering leaks - the rack should have grease inside and the rubber boots retain this grease (as opposed to power steering where there are special seals and the boots generally keep only the dust out, not the fluid in).
Otherwise, with the knocking mentioned, I wonder if you have a worn steering rack bush. Wind the steering all the way to the right, then on the left side under the car (the 'long side' for RHD), hold the rack end through the concertina boot and try to move it around. If there is detectable movement, then you'll have to remove the rack from the car and have it 'rebuilt' or replace the bush yourself (not too hard), or just swap the rack for another. See the thread
https://www.fiatforum.com/uno-technical/159182-steering-column-rattle.html
(Also, was wondering: does a standard (Mk1 UnoT) clutch usualy handle 1bar boost??
I find that it does, yes.
obviously its gud to overcompensate, but is it realy necesary to get something stronger?
(My current clutch is worn, and unable to cope with any extra boost
)
I suggest just a standard Valeo clutch, but be careful with the size of the release bearing since there seem to be several types out there. Mine had a large plastic block-shaped bearing housing and the clutch was slipping even though the lining was not worn out. The adjustment at the gearbox was on the very end of the threads. When I fitted the new clutch I used a much slimmer metal release bearing, and the adjuster ended up in the middle of the threads: my clutch now works great.
-Alex
