Bravo Grinding Noise when in neutral or low gear!

[Julia]

Hi there

I have a relatively new (Apr 08) Fiat Bravo 1.6 Multijet Eco which I love apart from a really frustrating 'grinding' noise coming from underneath the bonnet.

When you start the engine and sit in neutral it's a really loud grinding/vibrating noise, which is in addition to the usual noise you'd expect from a diesel. When you press the clutch pedal this noise pretty much goes away, and when you pull off in first it gets less, although you still can hear it a bit....and then up into higher gears when you gain some speed, it is not noticeable at all.

I do a LOT of stop-start driving whilst commuting to work, and therefore i'm having to ride the clutch a great deal and the noise is an absolute nightmare.

This started last year and when I took it into my local Fiat dealership they said it was a loose heatshield which they had tightened and I must admit the noise went away for a while. I took it in again recently and they said they couldnt notice the noise (didnt road test it). Thankfully they didnt charge me for looking it over.

The noise seems to be a lot worse in very cold weather, and lessens a bit when the car has warmed up.

Does anyone have any ideas on how I can try and solve this without endless trips and diagnostic tests from FIAT?

A friend thinks it may be a clutch problem but the clutch feels absolutely fine and the noise is mainly when in neutral or first.

Thank you....hoping you can help!

 

[Sven]

Sounds like the thrust bearing, but hard to say for sure.
Due to it occurring when cold, I would change the gear box oil, or ad least check its level.
Also when did the sound start to appear ?

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[Greg Crisp]

noise

Of course fiat cant hear it!, if its got less than 6 months left on its warranty they will only discover this in 7 months time, and what do you know, your out of pocket. I had similar on a seat leon. Had to get very very angry with them before it was all rectified under the warranty. Do it today, document everything as well. Goodluck

 

[Sven]

Must agree with Greg on this also, if its under warranty, take the car to them and demand a test run so they can hear the noise.

Good luck BTW with the constant and normal phenomenon of errors going away when you reach the mechanic

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[ROBIN]

It sounds like the pressure plate to me on the clutch, had the same thing on a a brand punto in 2001, took it back and they sorted it.

if in neautral without your foot on the pedal does it do it and if you press teh pedal down it goes away, but then again it could be a bearing too.

i would get it back down there and get them to solve it

cheers

robin

Fiat Marea Weekend 2.0 20v HLX 147 83k and so far so good!

Down & Out Stickers available only here bravo and marea weekend only £5 incl delivery

 

[Julia]

Bravo Grinding Noise

Hi everyone

Thanks for your suggestions. I need to be a shade braver with the dealer by the sounds of it.

However I've been examining 'the noise' further this week and actually depressing the clutch doesn't make the noise go away so I am inclined to think there's little wrong with the clutch. What I have realised is that the noise (vibration) occurs when in neutral or first/second whilst you're cruising and not applying acceleration, and I only get relief when I am able to really put my foot on the accelerator - hence why I notice it most when in traffic jams or approaching roundabouts, traffic lights etc.

 

[Julia]

Also sadly it isnt under manufacturer's warranty any longer, so I cant understand why Fiat dont want to charge me a fortune to fix it! Will physically show the engineer the problem next time I think...

 

[Greg Crisp]

Noise

Heya, im not an expert but you said its a new bravo in april 08?, you get a 3years warranty on the bravo. so that see's you through to till this april 11 surely?