Technical Steering Knocking Noise

[tombelsten]

Hello, I have a fiat Tipo 2018 1.4L petrol. 33k miles (22k when purchased in Feb).

Recently noticed a hallow knocking sound when turning the wheel and going over shallow bumps, but not over pot holes.

The sound almost sounds like creaking (maybe straining almost type of sound?) when I turn the wheel when stationary. HOWEVER, it’s important to note that I only get a single knock when turning the wheel when stationary when I first start the car in the morning. After driving to work (30 minutes, mostly motorway) it becomes more prominent and more of a creaking/straining sound. Still get the hallow knocking over bumps too.

Regarding maintenance, I took it to 2 separate mechanics. Neither could find anything wrong on a road test or up on the ramp. It’s very hard to record the sound to attach to this post. Also im finding it difficult to hear where its coming from…

Any ideas?

 

[bugsymike]

Hello, I have a fiat Tipo 2018 1.4L petrol. 33k miles (22k when purchased in Feb).

Recently noticed a hallow knocking sound when turning the wheel and going over shallow bumps, but not over pot holes.

The sound almost sounds like creaking (maybe straining almost type of sound?) when I turn the wheel when stationary. HOWEVER, it’s important to note that I only get a single knock when turning the wheel when stationary when I first start the car in the morning. After driving to work (30 minutes, mostly motorway) it becomes more prominent and more of a creaking/straining sound. Still get the hallow knocking over bumps too.

Regarding maintenance, I took it to 2 separate mechanics. Neither could find anything wrong on a road test or up on the ramp. It’s very hard to record the sound to attach to this post. Also im finding it difficult to hear where its coming from…

Any ideas?

It may be worth opening the bonnet and placing your hand where the top strut mount is both sides, then get someone to turn the steering whilst stationary, you may feel the noise at that area.
As a common source of noise is top struts mount bearings.

 

[tombelsten]

I’ve had a go. It’s quite difficult- I can hear the “clunk”, sounds like it’s up that way I suppose, almost sounds like it’s in the back of the steering wheel but it’s hard to tell with an engine running in the background!

 

[tombelsten]

I’ve had a go. It’s quite difficult- I can hear the “clunk”, sounds like it’s up that way I suppose, almost sounds like it’s in the back of the steering wheel but it’s hard to tell with an engine running in the backgrou

It may be worth opening the bonnet and placing your hand where the top strut mount is both sides, then get someone to turn the steering whilst stationary, you may feel the noise at that area.
As a common source of noise is top struts mount bearings.

Sorry, I relied above separate ^

 

[Lincolnshire Gent]

Does it make the sound when driving and or standing still , If it only does it when driving it could be a worn CV joint assuming the vehicle is front wheel drive.

 

[bugsymike]

I’ve had a go. It’s quite difficult- I can hear the “clunk”, sounds like it’s up that way I suppose, almost sounds like it’s in the back of the steering wheel but it’s hard to tell with an engine running in the background!

Someone before mentioned a good little trick to test.
Drive onto some glossy magazines on flat ground, then with engine turned off but ignition on you can turn steering with less load on the tyres due to reduced friction using the magazines , but the weight is still on the suspension so easier to hear the top strut mount bearings so you just turn lock to lock to test.
Mot Stations have "greased plates" or discs they use to sit the front wheels on to do the similar job.

 

[tombelsten]

I tried this again today, also tried having someone turn the wheel and I looked under the wheel well to see if it was sticking as the wheel was turned. Didn’t look like it was though. Any further suggestions? Or should I just take a punt and ask the garage to replace the strut mounts and bearings? FYI I’ve attached a video of the sound with the engine off and turning the wheel

 

[bugsymike]

Basically what I described earlier usually pinpoints it, you could always ask your garage for their advice.