General Rumbling noise at rear 2011 panda

[Blueboy54123]

Hi guys newbie here
I've just bought a fiat panda 1.2 petrol it's a lovely car but there is a rumbling at the rear I've replaced the hatch struts tightened the hatch lock spare tyre is locked down with no rattles things seem a ok underneath parcel shelf is taken out rear seat is tight I'm really hoping you guys have some idea of what is going on One thing I did notice is when shutting the hatch as it hits the striker plate the top of the hatch above the window has a rattle seems to be coming from that area the exhaust doesn't seem to be hitting anything it's not loose either my next port of call is the shock absorber any help offered is much appreciated

 

[koalar]

Not a lot to go on

Wheel bearings
Fuel pump
Exhaust
Brakes
Tyres
Worn bushes

Something I have probably missed

Is it only there when moving forward

Does it alter with road speed

Does it alter with engine revs

Is it affected by bumps

 

[Blueboy54123]

Not a lot to go on

Wheel bearings
Fuel pump
Exhaust
Brakes
Tyres
Worn bushes

Something I have probably missed

Is it only there when moving forward

Does it alter with road speed

Does it alter with engine revs

Is it affected by bumps

Hi koaler wheel bearings good fuel pump good exhaust all tried and tested brakes spot on tyres almost new worn bushes not sure yet like I said Upper tailgate does rattle when slammed shut yes it's affected by bumps everything else is ok

 

[koalar]

The title says rumbling noise

Are we looking for a rumble noise

Most things effected by bumps are a rattle or knocking noise

 

[koalar]

Rear shock upper mount

What do they look like

Take a photo they are just about visible without taking anything off

Reach round the back of the tyre and push and pull them

Near side normally wear fastest

 

[Blueboy54123]

Hi koaler think you have maybe solved it nearside upper suspension bush looks like it's worn away making it not central

 

[koalar]

Unfortunately the photo is inconclusive it's hard to get the angle and light right

It's a pretty common failure point

I normally put my arm round the tyre and push and pull at the top of the shock, there shouldn't be any free play

If it does need changing, make sure you do it right, it's only two bolts but seen even garages fit them wrong and then they only last a year 18 months

The original normally last 10 years or more of average driving

 

[Blueboy54123]

Unfortunately the photo is inconclusive it's hard to get the angle and light right

It's a pretty common failure point

I normally put my arm round the tyre and push and pull at the top of the shock, there shouldn't be any free play

If it does need changing, make sure you do it right, it's only two bolts but seen even garages fit them wrong and then they only last a year 18 months

The original normally last 10 years or more of average driving

Anymore info on fitting them right

 

[koalar]

Anymore info on fitting them right

Home Page

aftersales.fiat.com

The easiest way is to tighten them at the correct ride height, otherwise it rips the rubber out


I always just dropped them to the ground then tightened them

Some people can't get the torque wrench on, might be wheel tyre combo

Anyhow it's still not a problem, measure between the hub centre and top of the wheel arch

Take the wheel off and jack under the spring pan untill it measures the same


But never jack under the axle beam it will bend

 

[The Panda Nut]

Top bushes clearly toast. Itdoes cause exactly what you describe. Rumbling, and cant be seen untill you takw out the top bolt. I did oneof ours two weeks ago. Monroe dampers not cheapest but are one of the best. Igot from damperplace on ebay. There was a little discount for the asking. Worth every penny.View attachment 466071

n⁷

 

[Blueboy54123]

Top bushes clearly toast. Itdoes cause exactly what you describe. Rumbling, and cant be seen untill you takw out the top bolt. I did oneof ours two weeks ago. Monroe dampers not cheapest but are one of the best. Igot from damperplace on ebay. There was a little discount for the asking. Worth every penny.View attachment 466071View attachment 466072View attachment 466075n⁷View attachment 466076

Thanks panda nut did you torque them up or just tightened the. I don't have a torque wrench

 

[Blueboy54123]

Home Page

aftersales.fiat.com

The easiest way is to tighten them at the correct ride height, otherwise it rips the rubber out


I always just dropped them to the ground then tightened them

Some people can't get the torque wrench on, might be wheel tyre combo

Anyhow it's still not a problem, measure between the hub centre and top of the wheel arch

Take the wheel off and jack under the spring pan untill it measures the same


But never jack under the axle beam it will bend

Thanks mate really appreciate your help happy motoring

 

[The Panda Nut]

Thanks panda nut did you torque them up or just tightened the. I don't have a torque wrench

Just tightened I think. I can judge pretty well but watch the bush does not turn or distort while tightening. They need to be done firmly. The bush metal inner sleeve must not move when done up sopretty tight with a standard socket wrenck or spanner. Not though as tight as you can!

 

[Blueboy54123]

Just tightened I think. I can judge pretty well but watch the bush does not turn or distort while tightening. They need to be done firmly. The bush metal inner sleeve must not move when done up sopretty tight with a standard socket wrenck or spanner. Not though as tight as you can!

I understand mate would you say same as tightening the wheel nuts but just by hand not standing on the brace

 

[The Panda Nut]

I understand mate would you say same as tightening the wheel nuts but just by hand not standing on the brace

pretty much exactly. Good pull with one strng arm.. Watch the spanner doesnt slip. As said above. loose fit, wheels on the ground and tiggten. Get a helper to watch the rubber does not twist. Bottom ones much easier but the sane applies. The affect on ride is substantial, even though it seemed ok before.

 

[koalar]

I'd just buy a torque wrench at the begining

Its a lifetime investment

You can't judge by feel properly

The upper bolt should be 80Nm and is a M10
Yet the. lower bolt should be 70Nm and is a M12

A good proportion of problems after fitting parts are self inflicted

Wrong part, wrong torque, wrong fitting, not cleaning up first and so on

We have had recently twisted off thermostat bolt while refitting, loose droplinks, (at least two of the cars I have owned) loose pinch bolt

And several not just Panda where they not been tightened at ride height destroying the bush in a year

Alloy wheels are 98Nm. Steel 86Nm if you tightened the top bolt the same as an alloy wheel you will probably be having a very bad day as it's close or past it's threshold M10

 

[AnthonyH]

I bought a torque wrench for less than £20 this year. I'd been put off by the prices i saw, £50, £70 etc. but now wish i'd gotten one a lot sooner.