Hi all
Last couple of days I've noticed a sort of clunking or knocking which seems to be coming from just behind(inside) the rear left wheel.Only happens every so often and is noticable when you shake the car on that side....I'm hoping its just a loose backbox or something,but could it be broken spring or something?But I'm sure it's coming from inside the wheel area..
Doesn't really make the noise when I go round corners particularly which is when I'd expect to. -
Wont be able to take the wheel off til tomorrow but is there anything anyone suggest it could be.

Cheers
Pete

My guess is its a loose exhaust backbox as you describe it as a clunking sound. Check the exhaust for movement.

I'd also say Check the rear suspension top mountings although these tend to cause a squeaking sound rather than a clunk when worn.

F R O $ T Y

Pete
I get this everynow and again as I am driving.
I thought it was the exhaust knocking off the fuel tank as it sounded a bit hollow.
Checked the exhaust brackets they were fine. Alex said it could be the exhaust touching off the handbrake cable assembly.
I reckon he is right where the pipe snakes over the rear axel as it is very close and the brackets holding the exhaust are flexible.
Pete

Peterg,
Thanks for the memories...
And also, I think you meant 'exhaust knocking off the spare wheel housing' rather than the fuel tank... I hope, anyway! The fuel tank is a bit further away. If plastic, you wouldn't exactly want the exhaust 'touching off' it!

I had this problem all the time with my Uno 60 (the back box hitting the spare wheel housing) until I fitted a proper FIAT rubber hanger to the tailpipe. They have a special anvil-shape where they slide onto the bodyshell, that makes them a much tighter fit. Also the front two rubber rings must both be present, holding the exhaust central.

Another common source of noises (as Frosty said) is the top damper (shock absorber) mount inside the boot. Pull off the plastic cap and try to move the mounting up and down. The rubber often tears apart, so the end of the damper shuttles up and down while driving, less when under load (which would tally with the description of the noise going away while cornering). I think I must have replaced ten of these top mounts by now...

No need to take the wheel off to fix either of these - that's much too much work!

-Alex