Problems fixed: Alfa Romeo, Audi and Citroën

In this article: Leading technical supplier Autodata helps you fix three common problems found in passenger cars

The problem

We’re having trouble finding the cause of a knocking noise on a 2015 Alfa Romeo 4C. The noise can be heard on road test when driving over rough roads from the front of the vehicle. We have visually checked the front suspension components and the condition of the engine mountings in the workshop, but haven't managed to pinpoint where the knocking noise is originating from.

The fix

There is one repair we know that affects Alfa Romeo 4C models up to the 28th September 2015. The fault is likely to be due to movement between the front anti-roll bar mounting brackets and the vehicle body. To eliminate the knocking noise, remove the front anti-roll bar. Drill four 5.0mm holes in the front anti-roll bar mounting bracket. To prevent corrosion, thoroughly clean the area with cleaner and apply a coating of primer. Fit rivets, which are available from Alfa Romeo parts department, to the drilled holes. Repeat the same procedure for the opposite side. Refit the anti-roll bar bush clamps and link rods ensuring new nuts and bolts are utilised in the reassembly process. Carry out a road test to confirm the fault has been resolved.

The Problem

We are having trouble finding the cause of a clicking noise from the front of the vehicle when the steering wheel is turned on a 2015 Audi TT. We have experienced the clicking noise on road test and we have checked the steering and suspension components which all seem to be OK. We have checked all of the major bolts within the suspension system are to the correct torque.

The fix

The noise is due to movement between the wheel bearing housing and the hub carrier. To complete this repair a specific grease, which is available from a Audi parts department, will be required. Remove the front wheel bearing housing from the hub carrier. Clean and apply a light coating of the grease to the mating surfaces of the front wheel bearing housing and hub carrier. Refit the front wheel bearing housing to the hub carrier and ensure retaining bolts are tightened to the correct torque setting. Repeat the same procedure for the opposite side. Carry out a road test to ensure the noise has been eliminated.

The problem

One of our regular service customers with a 2017 Citroën C3 has complained of a vibration through the vehicle when stationary with the engine idling and transmission in neutral. We have visually checked the engine mountings and have repositioned the exhaust heat shields but cannot eradicate the vibration.

The fix

We recall a similar report affecting all C3 models with manual transmission up to 26TH March 2018. The cause of the vibration is due to a dislodged protective sleeve on the gear selector cable mass damper. To rectify the vibration, check the position of the gear selector cable protective sleeve and if necessary, reposition the protective sleeve against the gear selector cable mass damper. So that the vibration does not reoccur, secure the gear selector cable protective sleeve with a cable tie. This should eradicate the vibration.