Shop4Parts - UK's largest online superstore for FIAT and Alfa Romeo parts

General Power Steering problem - may recall - Advice needed!

Currently reading:
General Power Steering problem - may recall - Advice needed!

S

Sidaho

New member
Joined
Oct 4, 2010
Messages
2
Points
1
Hi all - first poster 'on the want' Sorry!

My '56 Grande Punto is now out of warranty and has developed a problem with the power steering. It makes a grinding noise when it goes past 12 o'clock. This has been going on for a fortnight. On two occasions I have started it up to get the message 'Have power steering checked' and I only have mechanical steering. However turning it off and on again clears it. I am led to believe that this is a known problem which is intermittent at first and becomes permanent. I understand that the solution is a replacement steering rack at around £700.

I do know however that the vehicle was subject to two recalls:

R/007/033 Steering Column may become disconnected

and

R/2009/130 Steering may fail

It may have been in for the first one as it was on Fiat's forecourt at the time of that recall, however it certainly didn't go in for the second as I had it. I didn't receive notification of the recall as I moved house and didn't inform DVLA immediately.

My question is:

What should I expect from Fiat and what is the best way to approach the issue with them?

Thanks for any advice!
 
I have just had a replacement steering rack fitted on mine after the dealer that originally did the repair under warranty faled to tighten it up properly so it slackened off/

My aftermarket steering rack was £43 plus vat and £140 to fit it,thats much better than £700,a fiat steering rack btw is £277 + vat
 
johnlummis said:
I have just had a replacement steering rack fitted on mine after the dealer that originally did the repair under warranty faled to tighten it up properly so it slackened off/

My aftermarket steering rack was £43 plus vat and £140 to fit it,thats much better than £700,a fiat steering rack btw is £277 + vat
Click to expand...

That seems a bit cheap - are you sure you mean the electrical rack or was it the mechanical rods that connect the wheels like these http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Manual-Rack-FIAT-Punto-Mk-3-Grande-1-9-D-2-05-/250652254531?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item3a5c09e143
 
This post contains affiliate links which may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.
Sidaho said:
Hi all - first poster 'on the want' Sorry!

My '56 Grande Punto is now out of warranty and has developed a problem with the power steering. It makes a grinding noise when it goes past 12 o'clock. This has been going on for a fortnight. On two occasions I have started it up to get the message 'Have power steering checked' and I only have mechanical steering. However turning it off and on again clears it. I am led to believe that this is a known problem which is intermittent at first and becomes permanent. I understand that the solution is a replacement steering rack at around £700.

I do know however that the vehicle was subject to two recalls:

R/007/033 Steering Column may become disconnected

and

R/2009/130 Steering may fail

It may have been in for the first one as it was on Fiat's forecourt at the time of that recall, however it certainly didn't go in for the second as I had it. I didn't receive notification of the recall as I moved house and didn't inform DVLA immediately.

My question is:

What should I expect from Fiat and what is the best way to approach the issue with them?

Thanks for any advice!
Click to expand...

If its out of warranty then its out of warranty.

There are no recalls in relation to this.

Steering 'rack' has nothing to do with it, its steering 'column'.
 
Sidaho said:
Hi all - first poster 'on the want' Sorry!

My '56 Grande Punto is now out of warranty and has developed a problem with the power steering. It makes a grinding noise when it goes past 12 o'clock. This has been going on for a fortnight. On two occasions I have started it up to get the message 'Have power steering checked' and I only have mechanical steering. However turning it off and on again clears it. I am led to believe that this is a known problem which is intermittent at first and becomes permanent. I understand that the solution is a replacement steering rack at around £700.

I do know however that the vehicle was subject to two recalls:

R/007/033 Steering Column may become disconnected

and

R/2009/130 Steering may fail

It may have been in for the first one as it was on Fiat's forecourt at the time of that recall, however it certainly didn't go in for the second as I had it. I didn't receive notification of the recall as I moved house and didn't inform DVLA immediately.

My question is:

What should I expect from Fiat and what is the best way to approach the issue with them?

Thanks for any advice!
Click to expand...

There has never been a steering rack recall.

The recalls there have been refer to the lower section of the steering column- https://www.fiatforum.com/grande-punto/89495-recalls-known-fault-issues.html, neither of which sound like the issue you have.
 
It might be out of warranty but it's still a bloody expensive repair for a car that's only around 4 years old. I'd phone or email Fiat UK and outline what's happened to the car and ask that, should the steering column need replacing, would they consider contributing to the repair.

I did this with a recent repair on my 6 year old Stilo. I expected a token jesture of maybe £100, but i was asked if i 'would accept Fiats offer of £300 in vouchers towards Fiat goods or services in light of my loyalty to the brand'. To say i was stunned was an understatement. It made me glad i've defended Fiat to people over the years when they say 'they go wrong alot don't they' etc.

So my point is, don't take it as a given that Fiat UK won't give a damn. I didn't scream & shout or go mad, i just politely phoned & followed it up (as requested) with an email & within 48 hours i had the offer from a senior member of customer services.

Fiat UK information centre (CIAO FIAT) is contactable on 00800 3428 0000. Best of luck.
 
Thanks all for the advice - the recall was a no go, will try LiamJTD's advice!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

C
  • Question
Technical Power Steering
Replies
6
Views
304
CarOwner
C
P
Technical ESP+power steering intermittently working
2
Replies
35
Views
2K
peabraindk
P
A
Technical My Grande Punto electronics have gone crazy. I need advice.
Replies
2
Views
146
AnthonyH
AnthonyH
S
Technical Battery Light On & Power Steering Failure on First Start Up
Replies
8
Views
1K
SpudGunner
S
L
  • Question
Technical Intermittent starting problem
Replies
3
Views
292
Larrybone
L
Back
Top