Technical Steering Knock, Off-Center Wheel, and Occasional Sticky Response on Fiat Grande Punto 1.4 T-Jet

[viezedaggoe]

Hello everyone,

I am experiencing a persistent steering issue with my 2007 Fiat Grande Punto 1.4 T-Jet. Recently, I had an alignment performed, but the steering wheel still pulls to one side and sometimes remains off-center after turns. When turning, I hear like a knocking sound from the steering area, and the steering wheel occasionally feels “sticky” or slow to respond, giving an understeer sensation. Sometimes the steering wheel autocorrects itself, but not consistently.

Additionally, there is a faint whining noise present even when the vehicle is stationary and the steering wheel is not being turned. The electric power steering (EPS) and CITY mode still function normally, and I do not have any dead zones in the steering.

Given these symptoms, I suspect there might be internal wear or play in the steering rack or an issue with the torque sensor, but I would appreciate any insights.

Thanks in advance for your help.

 

[bugsymike]

Sounds dangerous, I would get it jacked up and check the mechanical side is correct, incidentally track rod end lengths need to be equal both sides.
After that the steering needs testing for electrical errors and centering with the suitable program.
With both front wheels off the ground and the engine off does the steering feel normal going left to right after that see what it is like with engine running.

 

[viezedaggoe]

Sounds dangerous, I would get it jacked up and check the mechanical side is correct, incidentally track rod end lengths need to be equal both sides.
After that the steering needs testing for electrical errors and centering with the suitable program.
With both front wheels off the ground and the engine off does the steering feel normal going left to right after that see what it is like with engine running.

Thank you very much for the reply. I used multiecuscan to look for codes, but there were none. I also took a look at the rod end lenghts but they seems to be okay. I made an appointment a local fiat specialist to take a look at it.

 

[bugsymike]

Thank you very much for the reply. I used multiecuscan to look for codes, but there were none. I also took a look at the rod end lenghts but they seems to be okay. I made an appointment a local fiat specialist to take a look at it.

If a full version of MES , I thought it had a program for setting the steering electrical centering etc.
I use Maxi ecu scan tool and my mates Snap On Diagnostics when convenient.

 

[ZaphodB]

but the steering wheel still pulls to one side and sometimes remains off-center after turns.

Depending on when it's due, a PTI/MOT might well point out something about to drop off

 

[viezedaggoe]

If a full version of MES , I thought it had a program for setting the steering electrical centering etc.
I use Maxi ecu scan tool and my mates Snap On Diagnostics when convenient.

I had a fiat specialist take a look at it today, and he told me that the top strut mounts need to be replaced, because they are worn out. Everything seemed to be fine.

 

[viezedaggoe]

Depending on when it's due, a PTI/MOT might well point out something about to drop off

Unfortunately the MOT isn’t due until november

 

[ZaphodB]

Unfortunately the MOT isn’t due until november

You could have had a test ahead of schedule, it would just change the renewal date for next year, so it would change next years renewal to May/June instead of November