Technical Is This My Steering Rack?

[Steve_R]

I took my car in for a knocking noise coming from the front when going over bumps about 6 months ago, and they told me it definately wasnt my steering rack, and that they have greased/lubricated my suspension bits and that should sort it. Ok, fair enough.

Anyway, it still has the knocking/bumping noise when I go over bumps, and now I've noticed a sort of weird metallic scraping noise when using full lock turning to the right, and I'm sure I've read somewhere on here that it could be a symptom of the rack problem, can anyone confirm/deny this for me please?

Also, the radio keeps losing reception all the time, and was told this is a common fault and that they were waiting for instructions from Fiat, as to what to do about it. I asked for a replacement radio as mine was obviously faulty and they said no. So my question is, does anyone know if Fiat have given instructions to the dealers about what to do, or was I fobbed off cos they couldnt be bothered changing my radio?

Cheers

 

[luvduvs]

Sounds like steering rack (https://www.fiatforum.com/grande-punto/89495-known-faults-problems.html), but I'm sure other Fiat experts here would be able to help out

Faulty antenna perhaps?

 

[hollingwood]

I have GP 1.3 multijet 90, done 7000 miles till now, which developed since Christmas similar knocking noises at front when going over bumps. In the past I have heard similar sounding knocks on Fiesta suspension with worn bushes.
So I didn't know whether it was the famous steering rack or suspension.
I took car to main dealer and they diagnosed "worn bush on link arm between roll bar and main suspension on drivers side". They also did say it was very unusual probably poorly formed bush fitted when new, as normally such a problem wouldn't occur until a high mileage.
Anyway after fitting new link arm under warranty, the car is fine and problem completely cured. Love the car!
hollingwood

 

[T14086]

Stereing racks are very rare,I suggest you take to dealer & also ask them to check if lower column shaft recall applies to your car.

No reason for dealer to fob you off over radio as at end of the day its money for them,chances are it will be sent for repair or recon unit fitted.New stereos are only fitted if car has not left the garage yet,as in 0 miles.

 

[Steve_R]

Its in for its first service on tuesday which is why I was asking, so I could get some good gen.

I'll mention the lower column shaft, thanks

 

[Ben H]

I get the metallic sound on full lock. On my old Fiat Coupes this sound was the stone shield for the front brake calliper scraping on the disc - perhaps this is similar?

 

[Steve_R]

Just to update, suprise surprise its the steering rack at fault, so a new one is on order. However, when I asked if this was part of the steering rack recall, I was told there has never been a steering rack recall on the GP.......Hmm......

Anyway, hopefully a new one should erradicate the problem.

The radio is still faulty, and they wiggled the wires at the back by the sounds of it, and not a lot else, so I'll report that again when it goes back to get the rack done.

Thanks for the help in getting this sorted guys n gals

 

[T14086]

when I asked if this was part of the steering rack recall, I was told there has never been a steering rack recall on the GP.......Hmm......

The garage informed you correctly.

https://www.fiatforum.com/grande-punto/89516-grands-punto-recalls.html

 

[Steve_R]

The garage informed you correctly.

https://www.fiatforum.com/grande-punto/89516-grands-punto-recalls.html

Ahh, right ok then, I stand corrected. Well I hope the new steering rack sorts out knocking noise.

Is the rack replacement an all day job, or just a couple of hours?

 

[Renegade_8]

Both my Tempra and the Marea have had "radio" problems, cured by changing the aerial in both cases.

 

[T14086]

Is the rack replacement an all day job, or just a couple of hours?

As you say a couple of hours

 

[jb1970]

Steering rack advice

Have had a slight knocking noise from the front of the car when I drive over uneven surfaces at a very low speed.

Took car into Fiat this morning and the guy said I need a new steering rack which is on order. 06 plate 1.2 active 5door, registered March 06.

Would this be right. I know, from this forum, that there have been problems with the steering rack in the earlier models (which mine is). Could it be the steering rack or could it be the lower steering shaft?

I have already had the recall knee plate work done (5096).

 

[T14086]

Re: Steering rack advice

simple 10 second test which dealer should be aware of to determine rack or shaft.

 

[Ben H]

Re: Steering rack advice

I've got these symptoms now! Will be off to the dealer ASAP!

 

[Steve_R]

Just to update you all on my problems, I've had the steering rack replaced and neither of the symptom noises have been cured.

I cant keep taking time off work to take my car in and out of the garage so it will just have to wait until I get some time off for now.

 

[combatjohnny]

can you tell me of the 10sec test as i have knocking on full lock on a mk2 punto.

 

[blair]

I also have a knocking noise coming from the front of my car when I go over bumps, particularly at low speeds.

If indeed it is the same fault as previously mentioned, any ideas how much it's likely to cost? My GP is in its third year dealer warranty.

 

[georgios1976]

can you tell me of the 10sec test as i have knocking on full lock on a mk2 punto.

Sounds like a Constant Velocity Joint to me mate (CV joint)... Let me know if I am wrong!

 

[georgios1976]

I also have a knocking noise coming from the front of my car when I go over bumps, particularly at low speeds.

If indeed it is the same fault as previously mentioned, any ideas how much it's likely to cost? My GP is in its third year dealer warranty.

I had some knocks from the front at low speeds on uneven roads, it turned out to be a faulty steering rack. The tech sat in my car and with the engine switched off, he moved the steering left and right and the noise was quite pronounced.

Although a new rack has significantly eradicated most knocking noises, on the was back home I could still hear a faint knock though, dealer reckon is the top shock absorber mounts, he will contact Fiat UK to check if that can be arranged by the 3rd year warranty (it expired two days ago!!)

 

[blair]

I've noticed that the knocking noise doesn't really start from cold, and only happens after the car has been driven for a bit. I'm wondering if this gives any insight into where the fault is?

Car's booked into the garage for Wednesday so as long as I'm armed with enough relevant information to give the mechanics hopefully it should get fixed!