Technical scraping noise from front of car

[panda182]

evening all,

im experiencing what sounds like a scraping noise coming from the front of the car at low speeds.

im fairly sure its not from the engine as it still occurs both in gear and if i coast...also if at stand still i rev the engine i hear nothing.

cant hear it at motorway speeds and im pretty sure its not being drowned out by the wind noise.

any ideas what it may be?

just had discs & pads changed FYI

cheers

 

[Goudrons]

Noises like this (that happen in gear and out-coasting) can usually be traced back to the running gear somewhere.

Driveshafts and CV joints, wheel bearings, brakes, etc.

As you've had the brakes seen to recently, this is where I'd start.
Has it been all put back together correctly?
Is the caliper siezed?
Does it float on the pins? The body of the caliper should be able to move up as the pads wear.
Is there rust between the new discs and hub causing them not it fit flush?

Try jacking the wheels up and spinning the wheels, see if you can pin point where it's catching.

 

[tshark35]

check there isn't a stone trapped between disc and heat shield ( backing plate) sounds like that's the culprit for your noise as I've had a few cars in with that problem. Hope that helps.

 

[panda182]

update!

fiat couldnt find a fault on monday...."we had it out twice, 8 miles a time" yeah right.....trip showed 7.5.....

anyway...after further analysis on my behalf i seem to be able to generate the noise at low speeds in a high gear (im guessing there is a particular point at which the offending part is resonating) - 30 mph in 5th gear is typical. Hard to identify a specific rpm as i dont have a rev counter!

seems to occur a lot more when engine is nice and hot.

Given that it is a metallic and scraping/rattling sound at the front of the car, any ideas as to what it might be? maybe a loose heat shield?

Feel I need to point the dealer in in a direction as its back in tomorrow and we are going to go for a test drive together to try and make them hear the noise....farcical!

 

[Herts Hillhopper]

Panda 182 -- have a read of this: https://www.fiatforum.com/panda/236891-strange-noise-front-calipers-4x4.html

I wonder if its the same thing (never have found it -- over two years later, still there, no louder, 2 MOTs passed, still can stop the noise by the slightest pressure on brake pedal. Also, I've realised that amazingly, those same brake pads and discs are well over two and a half years old -- not bad given that I drive 1500 miles a month!)

 

[panda182]

update! (and thanks HH!)

took it for the test drive with a mechanic and it became clear that the noise was occurring at lower engine speeds when i pressed the gas pedal.

after this they took it in and reported back that the rattle had been found in the flex part of the exhaust which i think connected to the exhaust downpipe. There was no corrosion or external damage to the part whatsoever. Something appears to of happened to the internal structure.

now here comes the issue.....they are refusing to replace the exhaust section under warranty even though this is clearly not a typical wear and tear issue. the mechanic (who was a good bloke coincidentally) said not to worry about it as the noise is intermittent and it doesnt impact the performance of the car at all. They quoted c.£135 to repair it.

think im going to have a whinge at fiat customer services.

any thoughts or advice?

 

[varesecrazy]

update! (and thanks HH!)

took it for the test drive with a mechanic
now here comes the issue.....they are refusing to replace the exhaust section under warranty even though this is clearly not a typical wear and tear issue. the mechanic (who was a good bloke coincidentally) said not to worry about it as the noise is intermittent and it doesnt impact the performance of the car at all. They quoted c.£135 to repair it.

think im going to have a whinge at fiat customer services.

any thoughts or advice?

Hi,
I don't know the model or mileage , BUT generally Exhausts ARE wear and tear items ( Kwik-fit territory),
and they will state that aggressive use over speed humps may have induced it,

Just being honest about your chances,

Charlie

 

[panda182]

Update!

After a twist to Fiat UK and reiterating that there was clearly no visible sign of wear and tear on the exhaust, they are providing the parts for free, i pay for the fitting.

not bad considering my service history is all non-dealer and its 3 years old in march.....dont give in easily is my tip!