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Fiat Panda 1.2 Dynamic Dualogic - Random rattling grinding noise under front end - bigshorty40

Hi All

I'm hoping someone can help me with an issue I'm having with my 2004 1.2 Panda Dynamic Dualogic.

I know noises are hard to diagnose on threads such as these, but I'll explain what is happening in the hope someone out there might have experienced the same as myself, or someone might have an idea what is causing the noise, and be able to point me in the right direction.

The noise is a rattling, grinding, fast knocking noise that I can feel through the floor of the car, the best way to describe it is like something is dragging along the ground whilst driving along. It has happened on several occasions now over the past 5 - 6 months, and seems totally random, once it happened when pulling away from a junction, another time it happened when cruising on a straight, another time when going round a bend. The noise seems like it is coming from the front, centre to nearside area of the underneath of the car. When the noise happens it lasts no more than about 5 - 6 seconds then goes away again. The car itself seems to drive fine and handles ok, I've checked obvious things like any loose bodywork, wheel nuts, exhaust, etc, but all seems fine. The one significant factor seems to be, and I'm pretty sure is, that the noise only happens when it's wet, I'm sure it has never done it when the weather has been dry. There also seems to be a very faint knocking noise, but can't be sure if this is general road bump noise, however the rattling, fast knocking noise is very prominent within the car.

If any of you guys have any thoughts or ideas what this noise could be I'd be very grateful to hear them.

Many thanks in advance.

Fiat Panda 1.2 Dynamic Dualogic - Random rattling grinding noise under front end - hardway

From your description I'd be checking the n/s inner driveshaft joint.

Not too easy to check on vehicle but at least you can check for leakage on the rubber D/S gaiter.

Fiat Panda 1.2 Dynamic Dualogic - Random rattling grinding noise under front end - bigshorty40

Many thanks for the reply

I did wonder myself if the noise had something to do with the driveshafts, I'll have a look when the rain eases off, but as you said its probably not going to be easy to check, so looks like a trip to the garage is in order.

Cheers again.