Can anyone tell me whats wrong with my car?

poorgirl

Hello,

I own a fiat punto, T reg with 89,000 miles on the clock. In the last couple of weeks I have noticed some "vibration" coming from the front of the car, mainly when I drive anything over about 60 mph. It is getting worse and it feels like the wheels are loose or something? I checked the wheels and tyre pressure and they seem ok, but i dont know much about cars! Also when turning right ive noticed a grinding noise, but only when again driving fairly fast.

I would appreciate any feedback...

Thanks

ozvaldinho

Hi there,

It sounds like you've got a damaged tyre. The vibration could be because the wheel is out of balance. The noise could be a number of things, drive shaft, wheel bearing, steering arm. Anyhow, you really shouldn't be driving it like that, you could have the wheel fall off or the tyre burst on you. Definitely get it checked by someone with a bit of mechanical know-how.

Have you hit a kerb or something recently?

poorgirl

Thank you, I dont recall hitting any curbs! I was worried about taking it to a garage as I always seemed to get ripped off and have spent fortunes on keeping this car on the road! Thought it was a good idea to get some geniune advice from here first, thanks!

ozvaldinho

You don't have to take it to a garage, you can do a few of the basic checks yourself.
Have you checked to see if the wheelnuts are done up tightly? Secondly, have you had a really good look at the tyre? Just turn the steering all the way to the right and see/feel for any bulges on the inside of the tyre, this tends to be where a lot of damage can occur.

flang

Does the car only grid when you are turning left or right? or both sides?
it its only one side 90% its the wheel bearing. If its both left and right this is more serious..
Can you jack up and car and spin the wheel, check for wobbles/looseness and grinding.

pulliptears

Can anyone tell me whats wrong with my car?

Resists the urge to shout "It's a Punto" lol

Seriously, kerbing does sound like an option. You haven't had new tyres etc fitted lately have you?

dieselhead

First check the wheel nuts, it costs nothing to tighten them if they are loose.

Next I would be thinking something along the lines of wheel bearings etc. If you are worried about garage costs its always worth ringing around and asking for quotes.

Silk

From what you describe I would tend to agree with wheel bearing problem if it's causing vibration at 60 and above and grinding when you turn in one direction. Asuming the vibration is not a wheel balancing one that is.
It does need checking asap if you are doing over 60mph with a wheel bearing breaking up on the front it could lead to disaster and not just yours

robnye

check the tyre pressure as well,

roswell

WHeel balancing most likely if the vibration is only at higher speeds would be my first port of call take it to your local tyre place to get them balaced (Local tyre place = back alley job not quick fit / nation wide etc)

While its thier mention to the tyre guy the noise as he has the wheel off already may are obliging and will have a little look to see if they can spot anything obviouise eg low brake pads / damaged cv boot ets.