Hi - I’m a Newbie but wanted to contact you as I am struggling to identify a problem I have with my Abarth 500. I’ve had the car from new, just over five years. We’ve done about 30k miles and she sailed through a recent MOT. But over the last six months she has developed what I can best describe a really loud droning sound. This is constant whatever the speed, in or out of sports mode. The sound doesn’t even change when I take my foot off the gas. Only when I come to a standstill (no sound when idling) will it stop.
I’ve been fobbed off by my local garage who changed the tyres and said there was nothing to worry about. But the sound is very noticeable (at least to me if not the garage!) and does concern me.
Just wondered if you had any ideas what this might be?
Many thanks.

Wheel bearing perhaps?

KTGee said:

Hi - I’m a Newbie but wanted to contact you as I am struggling to identify a problem But the sound is very noticeable (at least to me if not the garage!) and does concern me.
Just wondered if you had any ideas what this might be?
Many thanks.

Click to expand...

Hi, and welcome,

it should be pretty easy to rule out normal stuff,
tyres, wheel bearings, etc,


try coasting ( in gear but clutch depressed) at @20MPH,

lightly apply brakes.. any change of tone?
then ( where possible..) weave a little to give a side load to the wheels,

plenty of other simple checks to make..,
let us know how it goes..,


Charlie - Oxford

I had a whining noise on my Grande Punto Abarth, it turned out to be worn cogs in the gearbox. Had the gearbox rebuilt. The car was 5 years old. It was a known issue in the Punto. Not so sure about the Abarth 500?