Hey guys, I am currently the owner of an 1998 Punto 60sx that i have owned for close to 3 years; during that time i have replaced the head gasket, temperature sensor, nearside front anti roll bar bush, part of the exhaust downpipe and thermostat. i do have an interest in cars but find i can be quite naiive in regards to causes of problems and solutions so i'm not afraid to ask questions that may be a bit idiotic (abit like myself
) and usually admit when i'm wrong.
Now, onto the important part (for me at least); recently ive noticed my car develops a jolt through the steering wheel after ive used the brakes 5 or 6 times (it almost sounds like the wheels moving on an old steam train and you can hear the noise from a carriage and it felt like the wheels werent quite circular as though theres a flat spot somewhere)and the frequency increases the quicker i go though the car travels in a straight line without input from me.
I also notice that i cant accelerate beyond 60mph in 5th gear and have to drop down to 4th to increase my speed on the motorways.
Also as i brake the car pulls to the right and when the jolts occur the car slows much quicker when i come off the accelerator and dont apply the brakes; plus when i am at slower speeds it feels like the brakes are applied slightly almost every revolution when i am not using the brake pedal.
Also today coming out of the carpark to head home from work when i used full lock and accelerator only i heard a slight grinding noise from the nearside wheelthat disappeared not long after i straightened up the car and after a few times of using the brakes i heard a slightly higher pitched grinding noise; both sounding like metal on metal and experienced a small cloud of white smoke as i set off.
Also during the recent cold weather i have experienced a cloud of white smoke when i start up and when i accelerate that pretty much disappears after 10-15mins (this time shortens if i have had to spend time deicing the car and left it running)
Looking through the forums, and my limited knowledge, i suspect that the brakes need sorting and, possibly worryingly need to sort the head gasket again. Can you please help me if you can as it is much appreciated.
Also if possible could you include ballpark price figures (i live in widnes, between warrington and liverpool) to get an idea of how much i will actuallt have left im my account when my paycheck comes through
Thanks again for any help.
Kind regards,
David
P.S. Sorry for long windedness but dont know how else to say it.
) and usually admit when i'm wrong.Now, onto the important part (for me at least); recently ive noticed my car develops a jolt through the steering wheel after ive used the brakes 5 or 6 times (it almost sounds like the wheels moving on an old steam train and you can hear the noise from a carriage and it felt like the wheels werent quite circular as though theres a flat spot somewhere)and the frequency increases the quicker i go though the car travels in a straight line without input from me.
I also notice that i cant accelerate beyond 60mph in 5th gear and have to drop down to 4th to increase my speed on the motorways.
Also as i brake the car pulls to the right and when the jolts occur the car slows much quicker when i come off the accelerator and dont apply the brakes; plus when i am at slower speeds it feels like the brakes are applied slightly almost every revolution when i am not using the brake pedal.
Also today coming out of the carpark to head home from work when i used full lock and accelerator only i heard a slight grinding noise from the nearside wheelthat disappeared not long after i straightened up the car and after a few times of using the brakes i heard a slightly higher pitched grinding noise; both sounding like metal on metal and experienced a small cloud of white smoke as i set off.
Also during the recent cold weather i have experienced a cloud of white smoke when i start up and when i accelerate that pretty much disappears after 10-15mins (this time shortens if i have had to spend time deicing the car and left it running)
Looking through the forums, and my limited knowledge, i suspect that the brakes need sorting and, possibly worryingly need to sort the head gasket again
. Can you please help me if you can as it is much appreciated.Also if possible could you include ballpark price figures (i live in widnes, between warrington and liverpool) to get an idea of how much i will actuallt have left im my account when my paycheck comes through
Thanks again for any help.
Kind regards,
David
P.S. Sorry for long windedness but dont know how else to say it.
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