Petrol ron FIAT PUNTO 1999 176 / 1.G Workshop Manual

Fiat Punto
Service and Repair Manual
A K Legg LAEMIMI and Spencer Drayton
Models covered P251 •272 • WAC2>
Fiat Punto Hatchback, including Selecta and special/limited editions Petrol engines: 1.1 litre (1108 cc) and 1,2 litre (1242 cc, 8-valve and 16-valve) Diesel & turbo-dlesel engines: 1.7 litre (1698 cc)
Does NOT cover 1.4 litre (1372 cc) or 1.6 litre (1581 cc) petrol engines, or Cabriolet
©Haynos Publishing 1999 KLWH A book in the Haynes Service end Ropalr Manual Series
All rights reserved. No part of this book may bo reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, Including photocopying, recording or by any information storage or retrieval system, without permission In writing from the copyright hokJer.
ISBN 1 85960 561 3
British Library Cataloguing tn Publication Data A catalogue record for this book Is available from the British Ubrary.
Printed by J H Haynes & Co. Ltd, Sparkford, Nr Yeovil, Somerset BA22 7JJ
Haynes Publishing
Sparkford. Nr Yeovil. Somerset BA22 7JJ, England
Haynes North America, Inc
681 Lawrence Drive, Newbury Park. Califomio 91320. USA
Editions Haynes S.A. Tour Aurora - La
D6 2,18 Place des Reflets, 92975 PARIS LA 0EFENSE Cedex Francs Haynes Publishing Nordfska AB Box 1504, 761 45 UPPSALA, Sverga
expert22 fl/i* http://rutracker.org

0.4 Introduction
The Fiat Punto range was Introduced in March 1994 with 1106 cc, 1242 cc and 1372 cc petrol engines and a 1698 cc diesel engine. At first, models wero only available in 5-door Hatchback form, however 3-door versions followed in May 19SM and Cabriolet and Automatic versions In June 1994. At the seme lime a lurbo diesel model was launched. Power-ass«sted steering and ABS were offered as options in October 1994, and the 6-speed 55SX and norrrally-asptraled dieset followed in June 1995. In June 1997 a minor facelift was undertaken which Included improvements to the suspension and steering and various cosmetic changes. This facelift also saw the introduction of fie ! 242 cc DOHC 1S-valve engine available In top of the range models.
Ait engines covered in this Manual are fitted with single- or double-overhead •camshaft engines, end all models have fully independent front and rear suspension. The distinguished lines of the bodywork together with tho high level rear lighting have made the Rat Punto a very popular small car.
Provided that regular servicing is earned out In accordance with tho manufacturer's recommendations, the Flat Punto should prove reliable and economical. The engine compartment is well-designed, and most of the items needing frequent attention are easily accessible.
The Fiat Punto Team
Haynes manuals are produced by dedicated and enthusiastic people working in close co-operation. The team responsible for the creation of this book included:
Authors
Sub-editor Page Make-up Workshop manager Photo Scans
Cover illustration & Une Art
Wiring diagrams

A.K. Legg laemimi
Spencer Drayton
Ian Barnes
Steve Churchill Paul Buckland
Steve Tanswell John Martin
Roger Healing
Matthew Marke
We hope the book will help you to get the maximum enjoyment from your car. By carrying out routine maintenance as described you will ensure your car's reliability and preserve its resale value.
Your Fiat Punto Manual
The aim ol this manual is to help you get the best value from your vehicle, It can do so-ln several ways. It can help you decide what worfc must be done (even should you choose to get It dons by a garage), provide information on routine maintenance and servicing, and give a logical course of action and diagnosis when random faults occur. However, it is hoped that you will use the manual by tackling the work yourself. On simpler jobs, It may even be quicker than booking tho car into a garage and going there twice, io leave and collect it. Perhaps mosl important, a lot of money can be saved by avoiding the costs a garage must charge to cover Its labour and overheads, The manual has drawings and descriptions to show the function of the various components, so that their layoul can be understood, Then the tasks are described and photographed in a clear step-by-step sequence. References to the 'left' or 'right' are In the sense of a person in the driver's seat facing forward.
Acknowledgements Thanks are duo to the Champion Spark Plug Company, who supplied the Illustrations of various spark plug conditions. Thanks are also due to Oraper Tools Limited, who provided some of the workshop tools, and to all those people at Sparkford who helped In the production of this manual. We take great pride In tho accuracy of information given In this manual, but vehicle manufacturers make alterations and design changes during the production run of a particular vehicle of which they do not Inform us. No liability oen be accepted by the authors or publishers for loss, damage or Injury caused by any errors in, or omissions from, the information given.

Lubricants and fluids 0.17
Lubricants and fluids
Engine Petrol Multigrade engine oil, viscosity SAE15W/40, to API SG/CD or better (Duckhams QXR Premium Petrol Engine Oil, or Duckhams Hypergrade Petrol Engine Oil) Diesel Multigrade engine oil, viscosity SAE15W/40, to API SG/CD or better Duckhams QXR Premium Diesel Engine Oil, or Duckhams Hypergrade Diesel Engine Oil) Cooling system Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze and soft water (Duckhams Antifreeze & Summer Coolant) Manual gearbox Hypoid gear oil, viscosity SAE80W to API GL4 (Duckhams Hypoid Gear Oil SOW GL-4) Automatic transmission Dexron type II automatic transmission fluid (ATF) (Duckhams ATF Autotrans III) Braking system Hydraulic fluid to SAE J1703F or DOT 4 (Duckhams Universal Brake & Clutch Fluid) Power steering Dexron type II automatic transmission fluid (ATF) (Duckhams ATF Autotrans Hi)
Choosing your engine oil
Engines need oil. not only to lubricate moving parts and minimise wear, but also to maximise power output and to Improve fuel economy. By introducing a simplified and improved range of engine oils. Duckhams has taken away the confusion and made it easier for you lo choose the right oil for your engine.
HOW ENGINE OIL WORKS
• Beating friction Without oil. the moving surfaces inside your engine will rub together, heat up and melt, quickly causing the engine to seize. Engine oil creates a film which separates these moving parts, preventing wear and heat build-up.
• Cooling hot-spots Temperatures Inside the engine can exceed 1000°
C.
The engine oil circulates and acts as a coolant, transferring heat from the hot-spots to the sump.
• Cleaning the engine internally Good quality engine oils clean the Inside of your engine, collecting and dispersing combustion deposits and controlling them until they are trapped by the oil niter or flushed out at oil change.
OIL CARE - FOLLOW THE CODE To handle and dispose of used engine oil safety, always: • Avoid skin contact with used engine oil. Repeated or prolonged contact can be harmful. • Dispose of used oil and empty packs In a responsible manner In an authorised disposal site. tti Call 0800 663366 to find qIqq f £ the one nearest to you. Never tip oil down drains or onto the ground.
DUCKHAMS ENGINE OILS For the driver who demands a premium quality oil for complete reassurance, we recommend synthetic formula Duckhama QXR Premium Engine Oils. For the driver who requires a straight-forward quality engine oil, we recommend Duckhams Hypergrade Engine Ote.
For further information and advice, call the Duckhams UK Helpline on 0800 212988.
^SGCKHAMS

o.i8 Tyre pressures
Tyre pressures (cold)
Front Hear Petrol models (average load): 155/70R13.165/60R14,16S/65R13.165/65R14,175/60R14 2.0(29) 1.9(28) 165/65R14 78Q (M+-S) 2.5(36) 2.2(32) 185/55/R14 2.4(35) 2.0(29) 135/80B13,135/80B14 (space-saver spare tyre) 2.8(41) 2.8(41)
Petrol models (fully laden): 155/70R13,165/60R14.165/65R14,175/60R14 2.2 (32) 2.2 (32) 165/65R14 78Q (M+S) 2.5(36) 2.2(32) 185/55/R14 2.4(35) 2.2(32) 135/80B13,135/80B14 (space-saver spare tyre) 2.8 (41) 2.8 (41)
Diesel models (average load): 165/70R13.165/65R14,175/60R14 2.4(35) 2.0(29) 135/80B13.135/80B14 (space-saver spare tyre) 2.8(41) 2.8(41)
Diesel models (fully laden): 165/70R13,165/65R14,175/60R14 2.4 (35) 2.2 (32) 135/80B13,135/80B14 (space-saver spare tyre) 2.8 (41) 2.8 (41)

Maintenance schedule - petrol models 1A.3
The maintenance Intervals in this manual are provided with the assumption that you, not the dealer, will be carrying out the work. These axe the minimum maintenance intervals recommended by us for vehicles driven daily.
if you wish to keep your vehicle in peak condition at all times, you may wish to perform some of these procedures more often. We encourage frequent maintenance, because it enhances the efficiency.
performance and resale value of your vehicle. When the vehicle Is new, it should be serviced by a factory-authorised dealer service department, In order to preserve the factory warranty.
Every 250 miles (400 km) or weekly Q Refer to Weekly checks
Every 5000 miles (7500 km) or
6 months - whichever comes first • Renew the engine oil and filter (Section 3)
Note: Frequent oil and fitter changes am good tor the engine. We recommend changing the oil at the mileage specified here, or at least
twice
a year if the mileage covered Is a less.
Every 10 000 miles (15 000 km) or
12 months - whichever comes first
In
addition to the items listed above, cany out the following: Q Check the operation of the brake warning lamp (Section 4) • Check the front brake pads for wear (Section 5) • Check the underbody and sealant for damage (Section 6) • Hose and fluid leak check (Section 7) • Check the condition of the exhaust system and its mountings (Section 8) • Check the condition of the driveshaft gaiters (Section 9) • Renew pollen filter (Section 10) • Check exhaust gas content and idle speed (Section 11) • Check the steering and suspension components for condition and security (Section 12)
Every 20 000 miles (30 000 km) or
2 years - whichever comes first
In
addition to the Items listed above, carry out the following: • Check and if necessary adjust the tension of the auxiliary drlvebelt(s) (Section 13) • Check the freeplay and height of the clutch pedal (Section 14) • Check and if necessary adjust the valve clearances (Section 15) HI Check and if necessary tighten inlet and exhaust manifold mountings (Section 16) • Renew the fuel filter (Section 17) D Renew the air filter element (Section 18) O Renew the spark plugs (Section 19) • Check the condition of the HT cables (Section 20) • Check the engine management system (Section 21) Q Lubricate all hinges and locks (Section 22) O Check the headlight beam adjustment (Section 23) • Carry out a road test (Section 24)
Every 30 000 miles (45 000 km) or
3 years - whichever comes first In addition to the items listed above, cany out the following: • Check the operation of the Lambda sensor (Section 25) • Check and if necessary top-up the manual transmission oil level (Section 26) • Check the operation of the evaporative loss system (Section 27) • Automatic transmission inner filter and fluid renewal (Section 28)
Every 40 000 miles (60 000 km) or
4 years - whichever comes first In addition to the items fisted above, carry out the following: • Check the rear brake shoes for wear (Section 29) • Renew the timing belt (Section 30)"
*Noto: Although the normal interval for timing belt renewal is 70 000 miles (105 000 km), It is strongly recommended that the belt Is renewed at 40 000 miles (60 000 km) on vehicles which are subjected to Intensive use, ie. malniy short Journeys or a let of stop-start driving. The actual belt renewal Interval Is therefore very much up to the individual owner, but bear in mind that severe engine damage will result if the belt breaks.
Every 60 000 miles (90 000 km) or
6 years - whichever comes first in addition to the items listed above, cany out the following: • Check the condition and operation of the crankcase emission control system (Section 31)
Every 80 000 miles (120 000 km) • Renew the manual transmission oil (Section 32)
Every 2 years
(regardless of mileage) • Renew the engine coolant (Section 33) • Renew the brake fluid (Section 34)

ia«4 Component location - petrol models
Underbonnet view -1108 cc engine model
1 Engine oil filler
cap
2 Engine oil dipstick 3 Brake vacuum servo unit 4 Brake fluid
reservoir
5 Air cleaner
cover
6 Coolant expansion lank 7 Windscreen washer fluid reservoir 8 Front suspension strut upper mounting 9 Ignition coil cover 10 Engine wiring connector cover 11 Battery 12 ECU
Underbonnet view - 1242 cc (8-valve) engine model
1 Engine oil tiller
cap
2 Engine oil dipstick 3 Brake vacuum servo unit 4 Brake fluid
reservoir
5 Air cleaner cover 6 Coo/ant expansion tank 7 Windscreen washer
fluid
reservoir 8 Front suspension strut upper mounting 9 Ignition coil cover 10 Engine wiring connector cover 11 Battery 12 ECU

Component location - petrol models 1A.5
Underbonnet view - 1242 cc (16-valve) engine model
1
Engine
olt filler
cap
2
Engine
oil dipstick 3
Brake
fluid
reservoir
4
Power
steering fluid reservoir 5
Engine
wiring connector cover 6
Windscreen
washer
fluid
reservoir 7 Battery 8
Coolant
expansion
tank
9 Air cleaner
cover
10 Resonator 11 ECU
1
Oil filter
2
Sump
drain plug 3
Transmission
drain plug A
Electric
cooling Ian unit 5
Left-hand driveshaft
6
Intermediate shaft
7
Right-hand driveshaft
B
Front
suspension lower arms 9
Front
anti-roll
bar
10
Exhaust
downpipe 11
Front
brake calipers (2
Rear engine
mounting IS Radiator bottom hose
Front underbody view (diesel model shown, petrol model similar)

Maintenance procedures - petrol models ia./
Every 5000 miles (7500 km) or 6 months
3 Engine oil and filter renewal Ja*
1 Frequent oil and filter changes are the most important preventative maintenance which can be undertaken by the DIY owner. As engine oil ages, it becomes diluted and contaminated, which leads to premature engine wear. 2 Before starting this procedure, gather all Ihe necessary tools and materials. Also make sure that you have plenty of clean rags and newspapers handy, to mop up any spills. Ideally, the engine oil should be warm, as It
will
drain better, and more built-up sludge will
be
removed with it. Tske care, however, not to touch the exhaust or any other hot parts of the engine when working under the vehicle. To avoid any possibility of scalding, and to protect yourself from possible skin irritants end other harmful contaminants in used engine oils, it Is advisable to wear gloves when carrying out this work. Access to the underside of the vehicle will be greatly Improved if it can be raised on a lift, driven onto ramps, or jacked up and supported on axle stands (see Jacking and vehicle support). Whichever method is chosen, make sure that
the
vehicle remains level, or if it is at an angle, that the drain plug Is at the lowest point. 3 Slacken the drain plug about half a turn using an Allen key. Position the draining container under the drain plug, then remove
the plug
completely (see Haynes Hint). 4 Allow some time for the old oil to dram, noting that it may be necessary to reposition
the
container as the oil flow slows to a trickle. 5 After all the oil has drained, wipe off the drain plug with a clean rag, then clean the area around the drain plug opening and refit
(MB
HiNT '
Keep the drain plug pressed Into the sump white unscrewing it by hand the last couple of turns. As the plug releases, move it away sharply so that the stream
of
oil Issuing from the sump runs into the container, net up your sleeve.
the plug. Tighten the plug securely. 6 It the filter is also to be renewed, move the container into position under tho oil filter, which is located on the front right-hand side of the engine (see illustration). 7 Using an oil filter removal tool if necessary, slacken the filter initially, then unscrew It by hand the rest of the way. Empty the oil in the old filter into the container. 8 Use a clean rag to remove all oil, dirt and sludge from the filter sealing area on the engine. Check the old filter to make sure that the rubber sealing ring has not stuck to the engine. If it has. carefully remove It. 9 Apply a light coating of clean engine oil to the sealing ring on the new filter, then screw it into position on the engine. Tighten the filter firmly by hand only • do not use any tools. 10 Remove the old oil and all tools from under the vehicle then lower the vehicle to the ground (if applicable).
3.6 Oil filter location (viewed from above)
11 Remove the dipstick, then pull out the oil filler cap from the cylinder head cover. Fill the engine, using the correct grade and type of oil (see Weekly checks). An oil can spout or funnel may help to reduce spillage. Pour In half the specified quantity of oil first, then wail a few minutes for the oil to fall to the sump. Continue adding oil a small quantity at a time until the level is up to the MAX mark on the dipstick. Refit the filler cap. 12 Start the engine and run it for a few minutes: check for leaks around the oil filter seal and the sump drain plug. Note that there may be a delay of a few seconds before the oil pressure warning light goes out when the engine is first started, as the oil circulates through the engine oil galleries and the new oil filter before (he pressure builds up. 13 Switch off the engine, and wait a few minutes for the oil to settle In the sump once more. With the new oil circulated and the filter completely full, recheck the level on the dipstick, and add more oil as necessary. 14 Dispose of the used engine oil safely, with reference to General repair procedures in the reference Sections of this manual.
Every 10 000 miles (15 000 km) or 12 months
4 Brake warning lamp ag operation check J§
1 With the ignition key inserted and turned to the MAR position, open the bonnet and depress the button on the top of the brake ftuid reservoir cap (see illustration). 2 As the button is depressed, the brake warning lamp on the instrument panel should Illuminate. 3 If the lamp fails to illuminate, check the operation of the level switch using a continuity tester, then refer to Chapter 12, Section 5, wd check the instrument panel bulb.
5 Front brake pad check
1 Firmly apply the handbrake, then jack up the front of the car and support it securely on axle stands (see Jacking and vehicle support). Remove the front roadwheels, 2 Using a steel rule, measure the thickness of the friction material of the brake pads on both front brakes- This must not be less than 1.5 mm. Check the thickness of the pad friction material through the hole on the front of the caliper (see illustration). 3 For a comprehensive check, the brake pads 4.1 Depress the button on the top of the brake fluid reservoir cap

ia«8 Every 10 000 miles - petrol models
5.2 Check the thickness of the pad friction material through the hole on the front of the caliper should be removed and cleaned. The operation of the caliper can then
bIbo
be checked, and the condition of the brake disc itself can be fully examined on both sides. Refer to Chapter 9 for further Information. 4 If any pad's friction material is worn to the specified thickness or less, all four psds must tie renewed as a set. Refer to Chapter 9. 5 On completion refit the roadwheels and lower the car to the ground
6 Underbody sealant check
I
1 Jack up the front and rear of the car and support It securely on axle stands (see Jacking and vehicle support). Alternatively position the car over an inspection pit. 2 Check the underbody. wheel housings and side sills for rust and/or damage to the under-body sealant. If evident, repair as necessary.
7 Hose and fluid leak check ^
I
1 Visually Inspect the engine joint laces, gaskets and seals for any signs of water or oil leaks. Pay particular attention to the areas around the camshaft cover, cylinder head, oil (liter and sump joint faces. Bear in mind that.
A leak In the cooling system will usually show up as white or rust~coloured deposits on the area adjoining the leak
over a period of time, some very slight seepage from these areas is to be expected -what you are really looking for is any indication of a serious leak (see Haynes Hint). Should a leak be found, renew the offending gasket or oil seal by refemng to the appropriate Chapters in this manual. 2 Also check the security and condition of all the engine-related pipes and hoses. Ensure that all cable-ties or securing clips ore In place and In good condition, Clips which are broken or missing can lead to chafing of the hoses, pipes or wiring, which could cause more serious probioms In the luture. 3 Carefully check the radiator hoses and heater hoses along their entire length. Renew any hose which is cracked, swollen or deteriorated, Cracks will show up better if the hose is squeezed. Pay close attention to the hose clips that secure the hoses to the cooling system components. Hose clips can pinch and puncture hoses, resulting in cooling system leaks. 4 Inspect all 'he cooling system components {hoses. |olnt faces etc.) for leaks. A leak in the coolmg system will usually show up as white-or rust-coloured deposits on the area adjoining the leak. Where any problems of this nature are found on system components, renew the component or gaskel with reference to Chapter 3. 5 Where applicable, inspect the automatic transmission fluid cooler hoses for leaks or deterioration. 6 With the vehicle raised, inspect the fuel tank and filler neck for punctures, cracks and other damage. The connection between the filler neck and tank Is especially critical. Sometimes a rubber filler neck or connecting hose will leak due to loose retaining clamps or deten orated rubber. 7 Carefully check all rubber hoses and metal fuel lines leading away Irom the fuel tank. Check for loose connections, deteriorated hoses, crimped lines, and other damage. Pay particular attention to the vent pipes and hoses, which often loop up around the fitter neck and can become blocked or crimped. Follow the lines to the front of the vehicle, carefully inspecting them all the way. Renew damaged sections as necessary. 8 From within tne engine compartment,
check the security of all fuel hose attachments and pipe unions, and inspect the fuel hoses and vacuum hoses for kinks, chafing and deterioration. 9 Where applicable, check the condition of the power steering fluid hoses and pipes.
8 Exhaust system check fe
1 With the engine cold (at least an hour after the vehicle has been driven), check the complete exhaust system from the engine to the end of the tailpipe. The exhaust system is most easily checked with the vehicle raised on a hoist, or suitably supported on axle stands (see Jacking and vehicle support), so that the exhaust components are readily visible and accessible. 2 Check the exhaust pipes and connections for evidence of leaks, severe corrosion and damage. Make sure thai all brackets and mountings are in good condition, and that all relevant nuts and bolts are tight, Leakage at any of the Joints or in other parts of the system will usually show up as a black sooty stain in the vicinity of the leak. 3 Rattles and other noises can often bo traced to the exhaust system, especially the brackets and mountings. Try to move the pipes and silencers. If the components are able to come Into contact with the body or suspension parts, secure the system with new mountings Otherwise separate the joints {if possible) and twist the pipes as necessary to provide additional clearance.
9 Driveshaft gaiter check
9.1 Checking the condition of a driveshaft gaiter
1
1 With the vehicle raised and securely supported on stands (see Jacking and vehicle support), turn the steering onto full lock, then s'owly rotate the roadwheel. Inspect the condition of Ihe outer constant velocity (CV) joint rubber garters, squeezing the gaiters to open out the folds. Check for signs of cracking, splits or deterioration of the rubber, which may allow the grease to escape, and lead to water and grit entry into the joint. Also check the security and condition of the retaining clips. Repeat these checks on the Inner CV joints (see Illustration), If any damage or deterioration Is found, the gaiters should be renewed (see Chapter 8, Section 3). 2 At the same time, check the general condition of (he CV joints themselves by first holding (he driveshaft and attempting to rotate the wheel. Repeat this check by holding the inner joint and attempting to rotate the driveshaft. Any appreciable movement indicates wear in the joints. wear In the driveshaft splines, or a loose driveshaft retaining nut

Every 10 000 miles - petrol models ia.q
10 Pollen filter renewal
1 The pollen filter (where fitted) is located under the engine bulkhead cover panel. 2 Refer to Chapter 12 and remove both svindscreen wiper arms. 3 Unclip the rubber
seal
from the relevant end of
the
top of the engine compartment bulkhead. 4 Unscrew the retaining fastener screws and pull out the fasteners securing the bulkhead cover panel in position. Release the cover panel Irom the base of the windscreen and remove it from the vehicle. 5 Pivot the pollen filter cover upwards and away then release the retaining clips and withdraw the filter from its housing (see illustration). 6 Wipe clean the filter housing then fit the new filter. Clip the filter securely in position and refit the cover. 7 Refit the trim cover, securing it in position with Ihe fasteners, and seat the rubber seal on
the
bulkhead.
11 Idle speed and ^
CO
content check J and adjustment ^
1 The idle speed is controlled by the ECU via a stepper motor located on the side of the throttle body and is not adjustable. 2 The exhaust gas oxygen content is constantly monitored by the ECU via the Lambda sensor, which is mounted in the exhaust down pipe. The ECU then uses this information to modify the injection timing and duration to maintain the optimum air/fuel ratio.
3 Experienced home mechanics with a considerable amount of skill and equipment (including a good-quality tachometer and a good-quality, carefully calibrated exhaust gas analyser) may be able to check the exhaust CO level and the idle speed. However, if these are found to be in need of adjustment, the car must be taken to a suitably-equipped Fiat dealer for testing using the special test equipment which is plugged into the diagnostic connector.
12 Steering and ^ suspension check
front suspension and steering check 1 Raise the front of the vehicle, and securely support it on axle stands (see Jacking and
vehicle support).
2 Inspect the balljoint dust covers and the steehng rack-and-pinion gaiters for spirts, chafing or deterioration. Any wear of these will cause loss of lubricant, together with dirt and water entry, resulting in rapid deterioration of the balljoints or steering gear. 3 On vehicles with power steering, check the fluid hoses for chafing or deterioration, and the pipe and hose unions for fluid leaks. Also check for signs of fluid leakage under pressure from the steering gear rubber gaiters, which would indicate failed fluid seals within the steering gear. 4 Qrasp the roadwheel at the 12 o'clock and 6 o'clock positions, and try to rock it (see illustration). Very slight free play may be felt, but if the movement is appreciable, further investigation Is necessary to determine the source. Continue rocking the wheel while an assistant depresses the footbrake. If the movement is now eliminated or significantly reduced, it is likely that the hub bearings are at fault. If the free play is still evident with the footbrake depressed, then there is wear in the suspension joints or mountings. 5 Now grasp the wheel at the 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock positions, and try to rock it as before. Any movement felt now may again be caused by wear in the hub bearings or the steering track-rod balljoints. If the inner or outer balljoint is worn, the visual movement will be obvious.
12.4 Rocking a roadwheel to check for wear in the steering/suspension components 6 Using a large screwdriver or flat bar, check for wear in the suspension mounting bushes by levering between the relevant suspension component and its attachment point. Some movement is to be expected as the mountings are made of rubber, but excessive wear should be obvious. Also check the condition of any visible rubber bushes, looking for splits, cracks or contamination of the rubber. 7 With the car standing on its wheels, have an assistant tum the steering wheel back and forth about sn eighth of a turn each way. There should be very little, if any. lost movement between the steering wheel and roadwheels. If this is not the case, closely observe the joints and mountings previously described, but in addition, check the steering column universal joints for wear, and the rack-and-pinion steering gear itself.
Suspension strut/ shock absorber check 8 Check for any signs of fluid leakage around the suspension strut/shock absorber body, or from the rubber gaiter around the piston rod. Should any fluid be noticed, the suspension strut/shock absorber is defective internally, and should be renewed. Note: Suspension struts/shock absorbers should always be renewed in pairs on the same axle. 9 The efficiency of the suspension strut/shock absorber may be checked by bouncing the vehicle at each corner. Generally speaking, ihe body will return to its normal position and stop after being depressed. If it rises and returns on a rebound, the suspension strut/shock absorber is probably suspect. Examine also the suspension strut/shock absorber upper and lower mountings for any signs of wear.
Every 20 000 miles (30 000 km) or 2 years
13 Auxiliary drivebelt{s) check % and renewal ^
Note: Fiat specify the use of a special tool to cooectfyset the drivebelt tension. If access to ibis equipment cannot be obtained, an
approximate setting can be achieved using the method described below. If the method described is used, the tension should be checked using the special tool at the earliest possible opportunity. 1 Depending on equipment fitted, one. two or three auxiliary drivebelts may be fitted. The alternator, power steering pump and air
conditioning compressor, as applicable, are each driven by an Individual drivebelt.
Checking 2 Disconnect the battery negative terminal (refer to Disconnecting the battery in the Reference Section of this manual). 3 Firmly apply the handbrake, then jack up