Technical Bump stops - do i need them???

[kenny capes]

Hi eveyone, my fiat 500 sounds like there the rear of the car is about to fall out when going over small bumps, it doesnt sound solid.

I took it to my local garage and he said on one side the bump stop was completely missing and the other side was detached and just rattling around in there. he took the loose one out and said that should stop the rattle noise and said "just dont go rally driving".

It has stopped the rattle, but going over any kind of bump, like raised stone work outside a school for example just sounds like the shocks aren't working. (i know nothing about cars).

Are the bump stops needed for everyday small journeys to "smooth out" the ride or only used when there is large movement in the suspension travel. the ride just doesn't feel that solid.

he said the suspension travel is good and could see nothing wrong with them. (except the missing and loose bump stops).

thanks all.

 

[GettinBetter]

Welcome to the forums.
Two things come to mind, and would suggest you check the following:

• The exhaust pipe isn't so close to anything that the smallest bump causes it to hit the chassis somewhere.
• Check the shock absorber point where they fix to the chassis, and the axle, any deterioration of the rubbers in these fixings will allow metal to metal contact.

 

[The Panda Nut]

Shock bushes are notorious and can be difficult to spot when they are moving. Check nothing is loose inside carefully. Get the bump stops replaced its no more than 30 minutes on a ramp to do both sides. They are needed especially of you carry pasengers. Also check the rubber spring cushions are in place. My daughters car sor tof felt OK but was a bit knocky. EVen though it passed its MOT When remove the shock absorber bushes fell apart and the shock on one side only worked on extension so oit was shot. New ones sorted it. I strongly recommend shocks_direct1313 on ebay and monro parts. Dependable quality and good prices.

 

[kenny capes]

Thanks both, i will get it booked in to a garage and get them to replace the bump stop and look at the rubber bushes. Many thanks

 

[steveras57]

Thanks both, i will get it booked in to a garage and get them to replace the bump stop and look at the rubber bushes. Many thanks

Makes sense ! although fiats engineers seem a bit "abstract " at times even they don't normally fit things for no reason ! if it was there it should be there! what exactly did you think the benefit of leaving them off might be then?.

 

[Mike1alike]

Yes, you do need them! I support this too.

 

[kenny capes]

Makes sense ! although fiats engineers seem a bit "abstract " at times even they don't normally fit things for no reason ! if it was there it should be there! what exactly did you think the benefit of leaving them off might be then?.

the guy from the garage didnt give me a choice, when i went to pick up the car he said he had removed the old one that was rattling about, "that will be £60 please, i close in 2 mins".

 

[Mike1alike]

So... he made £60 in 2 mins...!