Fiat Seicento

[kevb0444]

Hi..my GF has a Fiat Seicento Active Sport (53 reg) and we have started hearing a strange hi pitched metalic grinding noise comming from the front drivers side wheel. It only starts when you take the car over 60mph (ish) and comes and goes as you steer the car but stops when you put the brakes on. Any ideas? The cars done just under 30,000 miles. I know it's still under guarantee but the local Fiat dealer said they'd charge me if something just needed adjusting.

[Sparky1979]

Hi Kev. This could be caused by a few different things ranging from wheel bearings to brakes. Whatever it is, it's something that should be sorted sooner rather than later.

You also don't have to take the car to your dealer, a small-time garage will probably take a look at it for free in the hope they'll get your custom!

[spaced]

a common problem with all fiats is the clutch plate. My partner had the same prob in her punto a few years back, ended up being the clutch plate. Happened in hers and mine! Unfortunatly that has put us off buying fiats again.

Then again it could be a wheel bearing or brake disc, but that would sound at any speed.

You could always search the net for a Fiat Owners Club form, they are always good.

If not, speak to a main dealer. they will charge more but at least its logged down as being dealt with by Fiat.

[spaced]

..also, tell fiat to shut up - if the car is under warranty they should NOT be charging you for any work, unless any damage or any faults are is deemed as "driver abuse". check your contract.

[maxximus]

sounds like a front bearing hub assembly, there is an inner and outer bearing in it.depending what side on the vehicle,wether it be inner or outer that's worn and the apposing steering the noise will come, go,get louder,quiter.if in fact this is your problem 30,000 is low milage you may have a lazy brake caliper, dragging causing heat, which might explain the bearing going prematurely

[DirtyHabit]

Whenever I have a problem, I come to Answerbank and almost always find a solution. Having said that, you can't beat a forum for a specific make or model. I recently bought a Ford Sierra and the guys on FSOC forum have not only saved me a small fortune, they have proved the best place for hard to find used parts. I used to own a Seicento Sporting and there is or was a great forum.

[spaced]

agreed DirtyHabit. I am a member of the FFOC (Ford Focus Owners Club) Forum and they too have helped a great deal and have saved me money and time.

[kevb0444]

Hi...found out it was the calipor. After a bit of a fight with Desira (the fait dealer) they agreed to do al the work on warranty.