23 · Diagnostics

Rear suspension noise (knock)

Make: Fiat
Model: Panda Factory Service Manual
Year: 2003–2012
Section: Noisy'' / vibrations › Rear suspension noise (knock)

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Fault diagnosisRear suspension noise (knock)

REAR SUSPENSION NOISE (KNOCK)

Whilst driving, especially on unmade roads, there is knocking coming from the rear suspension. This diagnosis can only be made after

See table S15 RUMOROSITA'' IN CONDIZIONI DI MARCIA

Carry out the latter first.

1.2 8v · 4X4

Whilst driving, especially on unmade roads, there is knocking coming from the rear suspension. This diagnosis can only be made after

See table S15 RUMOROSITA'' IN CONDIZIONI DI MARCIA

Carry out the latter first.

All versions

If the problem is only on one side, carry out the checks and any operations on the appropriate side only.

1.2 8v · 4X4

If the problem is only on one side, carry out the checks and any operations on the appropriate side only.

0	PRELIMINARY CHECKS	All OK	Problems encountered	Operation
	Having carried out the road test, during the See table S15 RUMOROSITA IN CONDIZIONI DI MARCIA there was a knocking noise from the back. Continue depending on the circumstances in which the noise occurs.	End of diagnosis	The noise disappears when the brake pedal is operated. The noise only occurs during acceleration or braking. The noise is also present in other conditions.	Restore the correct tightening of the rear brake calipers to the stub axle. Move on to Step 1 Move on to Step 1
1	OIL LEAK CHECK	All OK	Problems encountered	Operation
	Raise the vehicle on a two column lift and check that there are no oil leaks from the shock absorber stem. Slight dampness on the stem is considered normal because there is evaporation during the operation of the shock absorber. If there is a persistent oil leak on the shock absorber stem, make sure that it is not coming from other parts of the vehicle that are lubricated.	Move on to Step 2	Leaks from other parts that are lubricated. Leaks from the shock absorber stem.	Search for the cause of the leak following the appropriate diagnostic procedure Replace the shock absorber Op. 4420A30 L/H OR R/H REAR SUSPENSION DAMPER (ONE) - R+R
3	INTERFERENCE CHECK	All OK	Problems encountered	Operation
	Check that there are no signs of interference between the suspension elements or between the latter and the bodyshell. In particular, check that there are no signs of wear on the suspension springs and that they do not show signs of abrasion. Check that the end of travel buffer for the rear spring is correctly inserted in its housing in the bodyshell. If the spring shows signs of abrasion, its mechanical properties could be weakened as a result of oxidation.	Move on to Step 4	Inteference due to incorrect fitting. Abrasions or non conformity of the spring. End of travel buffer not correctly inserted	Eliminate the interference and restore the correct fastening. If this is not possible, replace the defective components. Replace the spring Op. 4420A48 REAR SUSPENSION COIL SPRINGS- R R taking care to fit it correctly Replace the end of travel buffer

All versions

0	PRELIMINARY CHECKS	All OK	Problems encountered	Operation
	Having carried out the road test, during the See table S15 RUMOROSITA IN CONDIZIONI DI MARCIA there was a knocking noise from the back. Continue depending on the circumstances in which the noise occurs.	End of diagnosis	The noise disappears when the handbrake is operated The noise is also present in other conditions.	Eliminate the handbrake lever and/or actual handbrake clearance Move on to Step 1
1	OIL LEAK CHECK	All OK	Problems encountered	Operation
	Raise the vehicle on a two column lift and check that there are no oil leaks from the shock absorber stem. Slight dampness on the stem is considered normal because there is evaporation during the operation of the shock absorber. If there is a persistent oil leak on the shock absorber stem, make sure that it is not coming from other parts of the vehicle that are lubricated.	Move on to Step 2	Leaks from other parts that are lubricated. Leaks from the shock absorber stem.	Search for the cause of the leak following the appropriate diagnostic procedure Replace the shock absorber Op. 4420A30 L/H OR R/H REAR SUSPENSION DAMPER (ONE) - R+R
2	HANDBRAKE CHECK	All OK	Problems encountered	Operation
	Check that the handbrake cables or outer casing do not knock against the fuel tank, heat shields or bodywork during oscillations.	Move on to Step 3	Inteference between outer casing or cables and other elements.	Cover the outer casing with foam rubber tape in the area of the interference or lubricate the cable.
3	INTERFERENCE CHECK	All OK	Problems encountered	Operation
	Check that there are no signs of interference between the suspension elements or between the latter and the bodyshell. In particular, check that there are no signs of wear on the suspension springs and that they do not show signs of abrasion. Check that the end of travel buffer for the rear spring is correctly inserted in its housing in the bodyshell. If the spring shows signs of abrasion, its mechanical properties could be weakened as a result of oxidation.	Move on to Step 4	Inteference due to incorrect fitting. Abrasions or non conformity of the spring. End of travel buffer not correctly inserted	Eliminate the interference and restore the correct fastening. If this is not possible, replace the defective components. Replace the spring Op. 4420A48 REAR SUSPENSION COIL SPRINGS- R R taking care to fit it correctly Replace the end of travel buffer
4	TIGHTENING TORQUE CHECK	All OK	Problems encountered	Operation
	Locate the area of the possible noise source: top or bottom. Starting from the area where the knocking was identified, check the tightening torques See Test 4420B REAR SUSPENSION WISHBONES of the bolts fixing: Shock absorber Axle brackets to bodyshell Axle to brackets Stub axle plate	Move on to Step 5	Torque tightenings not correct	Restore the correct tightness
5	CHECK ON CORRECT OPERATION	All OK	Problems encountered	Operation
	Check that the fault is no longer present	End of diagnosis	The fault persists	The knocking is caused by another system (e.g. the fuel float in the tank). Carry out the appropriate checks to identify the cause of the noise.

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Parts & tools for this job For 2003 Fiat Panda

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