Qubo Hello everyone!

[English Frank]

I'm retired but have always done my own car repairs (59 years).
I think the Qubo is an excellent car which has been converted to carry my wife's wheelchair up front.
I need to get a handle on a front end problem.
Because I have to use full lock to get out of my parking space I lock left and there's a clunk and another when I straighten up.
There's nothing while driving and all seems normal. Any ideas gratefully received

 

[bugsymike]

I'm retired but have always done my own car repairs (59 years).
I think the Qubo is an excellent car which has been converted to carry my wife's wheelchair up front.
I need to get a handle on a front end problem.
Because I have to use full lock to get out of my parking space I lock left and there's a clunk and another when I straighten up.
There's nothing while driving and all seems normal. Any ideas gratefully received

Any strange noise needs checking as you know.
Fiats are known for top suspension strut bearing noise, when it starts to seize it can result in broken spring etc.
You may be able to feel it with bonnet open and your hand on the top strut mounting area when someone turns steering lock to lock with engine running, do it safely from the side.
It maybe possible to locate from the noise as well.
If noise not that, it can be bottom suspension joint wear which ideally needs to be done on a ramp with someone shaking the wheel.
If top strut mount it will need spring compressor etc . so unless you have all that gear it may need to go to the garage.
Apart from all that , sometimes a noise can be a suspension bolt that appears tight but is moving in its mounting, sometimes a clue to that can be rust dust in that area.

 

[The Panda Nut]

Check the spring is still intact. I would then check exactly as Bugsymike suggests. It does sound a bit like that strut bearing may be involved.

 

[English Frank]

Any strange noise needs checking as you know.
Fiats are known for top suspension strut bearing noise, when it starts to seize it can result in broken spring etc.
You may be able to feel it with bonnet open and your hand on the top strut mounting area when someone turns steering lock to lock with engine running, do it safely from the side.
It maybe possible to locate from the noise as well.
If noise not that, it can be bottom suspension joint wear which ideally needs to be done on a ramp with someone shaking the wheel.
If top strut mount it will need spring compressor etc . so unless you have all that gear it may need to go to the garage.
Apart from all that , sometimes a noise can be a suspension bolt that appears tight but is moving in its mounting, sometimes a clue to that can be rust dust in that area.

Thank you very much. I think you hit the nail on the head there.

 

[English Frank]

Check the spring is still intact. I would then check exactly as Bugsymike suggests. It does sound a bit like that strut bearing may be involved.

Thank you. I'll get that done.

 

[English Frank]

So when I see broken spring bits on the roadside this sized bearing is the cause?

 

[bugsymike]

So when I see broken spring bits on the roadside this sized bearing is the cause?

In some cases yes, but doing 90 mph over speed bumps and potholes may also do it.