I have a 1.6L 1994 punto 90 ELX softtop and its making a strange noise!

It started after a brake failure. I had to handbrake it to stop. Local mechanic came, fixed the problem with the brakes (leaky rear cylinder) and rekoned I'd flat-spotted a tyre (causing a rumbling noise). I went to the local garage (Feu-Vent) and got a new Contenental, which has made no difference.

The noise is hard to decribe as it changes:
UNDER ACCELERATION: Noise is a regular 'thump' and only occurs during mid-range revs.
COASTING/SLOWING: Noise becomes more regular with a metallic sound until low speed then disappears. Can't tell if the noise is effected by braking, but it seems likely.

The noise is definetley affected by road surface. The rougher the surface the worse it sounds. A friend says it sounds like the "bottom of the car is coming off".

It seems to be getting worse.

I have jacked it up, checked wheels, suspension and brakes. All seems ok.

Does anyone have any ideas? Don't want to take it into a garage without a clue, otherwise I'l just get ripped off out here (Spain!)

Thanks!

Apparently the rear suspension assembly is mounted to a body (subframe?) using a Bush, which can become worn. It results in metallic clunk especially on cornering or when the suspension is not loaded - as when you come over a hump in the road.

You can spot it by grabbing the rear wheel at 12 o'clock and rocking the wheel in and out from the car - it moves (like a worn wheel bearing) - try this and see if there is any movement.

The reason I know this is that mine is going to the garage tomorrow to get it fixed - and, yes, it does sound like the bottom of the car is about to fall off - I was convinced the fuel tank was hanging by a thread!

Of course, it might not be this and indeed the bottom of your car may well be about to fall off! ;->

NB - this is not the rear suspension arm bush which normally wears and results in MOT Test failure.

Here come da judge...

Apologies - I was talking complete mince! The noise turned out to be a seriously defective rear suspension arm bush which, as I've said, normally wears and results in MOT Test failure.

They fitted a new one about 4 months ago and it wore out in that time - got another one fitted for free today. Noise gone. Happy boy.

Here come da judge...

Dunno about that, I'll have a look-see this evening, but to me the sound seems to be coming from the front.

Thanks for the comment!