Workshop Manuals Factory service & repair Fiat
01 General information02 Specifications03 Manufacturing data and tolerances04 Tightening torques05 Fluids and lubricants06 Maintenance07 Diagnostic checks08 Engine09 Clutch10 Gearbox and differential11 Transmission (4x4)12 Axles and driveshafts13 Brakes14 Steering15 Suspension and wheels16 Heating, air conditioning and auxiliary units17 Electrical equipment18 Body fittings19 Body panels and frame20 Wiring diagrams and electrical functions21 Wiring harnesses22 Connectors and pin-outs23 Fault diagnosis24 Special tools
Fiat Panda Factory Service Manual (2003-2012)23 · Fault diagnosis
23 · Diagnostics

Poor driving comfort - at front

Make
Fiat
Model
Panda Factory Service Manual
Year
2003–2012
Section
Steering – vehicle behaviour › Poor driving comfort - at front
Fault diagnosisPoor driving comfort - at front

POOR DRIVING COMFORT - AT FRONT

The customer complains of poor driving comfort especially noticeable at the front.

1ROAD TEST TO EVALUATE THE DRIVING COMFORTAll OKProblems encounteredOperation

Carry out a road test to evaluate the driving comfort of the front suspension

See Test 44A ROAD TEST FOR COMFORT EVALUATION

End of diagnosis
  • Subjective judgement compared with the reference vehicle 6
  • Subjective judgement compared with the reference vehicle 5.5
  • Subjective judgement compared with the reference vehicle 3-4
  • Acceptable behaviour of the vehicle
  • Move on to Step 2
  • Move on to Step 4
2END OF TRAVEL BUFFER CHECKAll OKProblems encounteredOperation

Raise the vehicle on a two column lift and check that the end of travel buffer is correctly inserted in its housing carrying out the

See Test 4410AA CHECKING CORRECT MOUNTING OF STOP PAD ON FRONT SHOCK-ABSORBER

Move on to Step 3End of travel buffer not correctly insertedRefit the buffer correctly
3TRACK CONTROL ARM BUSHES CHECKAll OKProblems encounteredOperation

Check the condition of the track control arm bushes

In order to do so the guard under the engine must be removed

Op. 7055B54 UNDER-ENGINE GUARD - R R

Move on to Step 4Track control arm bushes deteriorated

Replace the track control arm

Op. 4410B40 LOWER WISHBONE (WITH BALLJOINT) OF LEFT OR RIGHT FRONT SUSPENSION (ONE) - R+R -CHECK WHEEL GEOMETRY SEPARATELY

4SHOCK ABSORBER EFFICIENCY CHECKAll OKProblems encounteredOperation
Check the efficiency of the shock absorbers by carrying out manual compression manoeuvres (resting on the bonnet by the centre of the wheel), which should be carried out on both sides of the vehicle.Move on to Step 5Sudden return without damping

Replace the shock absorber that is not working properly

Op. 4410A12 FRONT SUSPENSION DAMPER (ONE), LH OR RH - FOR MCPHERSON STRUT SYSTEM - INCLUDES DISMANTLING/RE-BUILDING OF ASSEMBLY AT BENCH R R

5VEHICLE GEOMETRY CHECKAll OKProblems encounteredOperation
After replacing the shock absorbers, check the geometryEnd of diagnosisGeometry values do not conformRestore the geometry to the correct values

Parts & tools for this job Staging For 2003 Fiat Panda

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