Hello,


I don't know is there anybody remember me but, I bought a 500 4 months ago. It's a 1969 restorated 110F. I had a weird accident at yesterday. I drive about 80km per hour on the highway, the car started not to go straight and quite wobbling. I slow down and after 10 minutes driving, turned the steering wheel from the main road to the side road. Meanwhile, the tire jumped out of the from slot with complete equipment some bearings, bushings and etc.. The tire went away opposite direction and I dragged 150 meters and stopped. Thanks god I'm okay and my small friend too. Then I collected the pieces scattered on the road and went to the mechanic shop with the crane.


The top of the iron was dislocated because it was worn, technician said. We replaced it with a new one. For now, everything seems normal.


Sometimes, the steering wheel vibrates at certain speeds, but then it stops. I wanted to share my experience to everyone. Photos are attached. Sorryabout my bad english. Has anything like this happened to you before?


Thanks for your time.


Pictures:

https://ibb.co/48QMxZy
https://ibb.co/Xjz6K4d
https://ibb.co/jggRkY0
https://ibb.co/Bt4StYQ
https://ibb.co/JH4vW6B

At a guess, I would say that the retaining nut wasn't 'peened-over' properly after it had been tightened. Although by putting it back together the mechanic has enabled you to get home, my reccomendation must be that the bearings (and collapsible spacer) coupling and nut are all replaced. It would be wise to carefully inspect the brake's back-plate to ensure no damage/distortion has occurd.

Dear Sir,


Thank you very much for your sharing your experience and this kind of information, i apprecite. I didn't see which parts are changed exactly and which parts are puting together with my eyes. But, I trust him 'cause he is also the first owner of the car, I bought from him.


I have a invoice about the parts which of changed (but it's handwriting and also it's catalan language.) I can't read carefully. Howewer, I have other complaints too. such as oil leaking from transmission, and not starting carefully. I'll have it checked them all asap. Thanks again.

Hi 'gatos',

The vibration in the steering wheel at certain speeds sounds more like a front wheel/tyre imbalance issue. I'd suggest having your tyres re-balanced and then road-test the car to see if the problem has been cured.

Al.

For that to happen it sounds like you and the car had a lucky escape and it would have been caused by the retaining nut coming loose allowing the stub axle to fall out. That nut on the stub axle would either be a castlated nut secured with a split pin or a staked nut into a keyed shaft. Also the torque required on that nut to compress the spacer is something like 120 ft/lbs which is almost impossible for the average guy to tighten or undo so if you have just got this car from the seller I would drive very carefully until you have shaken down any problems. Help from a Catalan speaker may also help.

gatos said:

I didn't see which parts are changed exactly and which parts are putting together with my eyes. But, I trust him 'cause he is also the first owner of the car, I bought from him.

Click to expand...

Hi Mr. Cat gatos

Sorry to hear of such a dangerous problem. I wouldn't trust the mechanic as this should not have happened in the first place.

It's also possible for the steering to be affected if the rear bearing and axle hasn't been adjusted properly or is still worn. I don't know what you can do to be sure that it has been done properly apart from find a real expert on these cars who can check it for you. I hope it goes smoothly from now and that you and your small friend have no more scary moments like that.

Dear Toshi975,

Dear fiat500,


Thank you very much, I hope it won't happen again.


Actually you alright sir, i need a experienced repair shop nearby me. So, how could i find a right garage are there ? Could you please guide me to find someone in here Catalunya/Barcelona/Girona area ?


Thanks a lot for all good wishes and sharing suggestions. Well noted them all.

Try having a chat with:-- Motorwagen Spain S.L. (34-93760-0195). They are in Santa Susanna. They SELL classic Fiat 500s, so might be able to help you with an address/contact of somebody who can work on your car relaibly

Most of us seem to be in the UK and US and do repairs ourselves. There must be a specialist in Catalunya?

I am aware that these people are Alfa lovers, but try contacting "Club Alfa Romeo Catalunya"---I think that they are at:--Villa de Gracia 08012 Barcelona. They are listed on the CFA classic car club list, so might be able to help you with a contact for a classic car mechanic--one that they trust.

Dear Fiat500,


I know, but it's a little bit difficult trying to repair myself for some special reasons now. One day I'll.


Dear the hobbler,

Sir, I'll well noted and try to reach them. Great news for me because the Santa Susanna is very close to where I live.


After the conversations, I'll write any updates about this situation for the next days. Thank you again for your support.

You are lucky that you didn't lost your brakes too, a friend of mine had the same accident and stoped behind a bus! I have drilled both my shafts and nuts and put a cotter pin in my new 126 shafts.