Hi Guys,

I'm new here, have had a look around the last week or so as my missus has just brought a Fiat Punto 1.2 Sport 2004. Thought it would be a good idea to get some ideas and info.

Then today she thinks there might be a problem!!

Firstly she was driving to work, she was in 3rd gear and was going around a corner then suddenly a deep humming / grinding noise appeared. The first thing she did was drop the clutch - take it out of gear - she then put the car into 3rd again straigt away, when on a straight bit of road... then the noise had gone!! She then drove the car home with no problems!!!.....

I decided i would take the car out for a spin when i got home to see if it would happen again...but nothing. Although i did notice that when the car is moving at say around 20mph+ there is a slight noise. The only way i can describe it is it's like stone's flicking against the body from your tyres!! (if that makes sense) not a really loud noise but there is a noise.

Any ideas what it could be?

Thanks Chris

Good visual check around the suspect tyre just in case something has cut into the inner tyre wall. Take it off to inspect it but before you do while its jacked up, give the wheel a good shake, it shouldn't rattle or rock in any way, just rotate smoothly (out of gear obviously) try again using the spare, if the noise is still there you can rule the tyre out and start looking at the rest.

Thanks Dcthebear

For the fast response, ok i have gone out and looked at all the tyres and they all seem to be in good nick. I have shaken all wheels whilst on the car and there doesn't seem to be any noises at all!

I have gotten under the car to check the arms from the wheels and they are all dry and don't seem to have any liquid leaking from the bushes. (please excuse my terrible description)

My first thought was that the gearbox had an issue, as my girlfriend said the noise stopped when she took it out of gear! But as for the stone noise it still made the noise when in neutral rolling at 20mph but then disappears when rolling to a stop i'm hoping thats not the case.

Any other thoughts, thanks again