In the mornings, when it's cold, when I reverse the car in full lock (steering), I'm getting some vibration, which I think is from the front wheels.

It certainly seems like something is wrong but I don't really know how to diagnose it.

I would really appreciate any advice, so I can try and establish what might be wrong, then hopefully get it booked in for a repair under warranty.

Many thanks in advance

How many miles has it done?

On the face of it, I'd say it was a driveshaft issue, rather than the wheels.. but the "full lock" part suggests it's one of the outer CV joints.

Having said that, my old Stilo ate one of its inner CV (tripoid) spiders (not sure if the Tipo has the same arrangement) and that juddered when reversing with lock on.. as well as the usual groaning in dips/over crests etc.

If it's a clonk rather than a vibration, then it's more likely to be a track rod.


Ralf S.

Thanks for your reply. It's only done 3,000 miles.

It's like a juddering and when it happens, I feel like it needs to be reversed very slowly.

It only happens when the steering is on full lock

Also, it's usually only when it's cold (less than 5c)

Can you try parking the other way round and see if it happens?
The reason I suggest this is because it may be juddering in the bite of the clutch or initial engine rpm...i.e. could be a misfire or clutch related issue and the full lock is a red herring

I'm going to suggest it is the tyres scrabbling/scrubbing on full lock.

I say tyres but will most probably be the RHS tyre on full right hand lock and the LHS tyre on full left hand lock. The "inside" wheel on full lock has far less traction that the "outside". It also probably canted over as well.

Thanks for all your replies.


I had this inspected by a Fiat dealer and they couldn't see anything mechanically wrong.

I wonder if it might have something to do with the low profile tyres and reversing on block paving.


I will monitor it for now.

Now that the cold weather is back, this problem has reappeared for me. It didn't happen during warmer weather.

I've just had my Tipo serviced by Fiat and they couldn't see anything wrong with it on a visual inspection.

They've suggested it might be tyre grabbing/skipping.

It only happens on block paving, when reversing, in cold weather and with the steering in full lock.

I wonder if it may be related to the 18 inch low profile tyres, which are supplied on the S Design model.

Has anyone else experienced similar issues?

Sounds like its the tire - block interface

Warm tyre grips

Cold tyre doesnt

Full lock will have the wheels travelling at totally different speeds

Thanks for your reply.

Do you know how this could be diagnosed?

The Fiat dealer did carry out a visual inspection but didn't find anything wrong.

I'd appreciate any suggestions.

Thank you

It only happens in one scenario.. and that is temperature dependant

My mums ancient merc is just the same..

What tyres are on the front of your Tipo ?
s130 gave the same answer in march..

If the car hasnt done it in the 6 warmer months.. its hard to think anything is loose.

Thanks for your reply.

The front tyres are Goodyear 225/40/R18

So if the front tyre is hitting the block in the cold weather, is that an issue that can be fixed?

Its not a fixable problem, because there is nothing wrong.

Because the tyre blocks are cold and the ground is cold, certain surfaces will cause the tyre to skip on full lock.

Mercs do it, Giulias do, its the way the suspension is set up, its not damaging the tyres or the suspension. Lower profile tyres may be more prone to it because there is less flex in the tyre.

My Tipo does it on 16" wheels, our Abarth did it on 17"s.

I wouldn't worry about it

Winter or all season tyres would help the situation as they are more flexible and grippy in the cold weather but won't totally eliminate the change of it happening

Thank you:

chris3234
RichardH13
varesecrazy

Your advice is very helpful - I didn't realise this could happen but now I understand it, thanks again