I just bought a 1995 Felicia 1.3 GLXi a couple of weeks ago.

It has done 110,000 Km (about 68,000 Miles) and is in a very nice shape.

I bought it from a guy that own it for the last 10 years, and it looks like he took good care of it.

I'm pretty pleased with it so far, but it has a few issues I'd like to ask you about.

As I said I'm quite pleased with it, it goes very smooth most of the time (more on that latter), It has swift responses and build up speed well. the only problem is it won't go above 100 Km/h (about 65 mph).

Is this normal? or does it indicates of some kind of a problem? and what can I do about it?

The second issue (which is more of a problem) Is a squeal sound coming (apparently) from one or both the rear wheels when shifting gears.

Although I can avoid it if I really try, It's not something I do on purpose.

In fact when I try doing it on purpose by giving it a lot of gas in first gear with the clutch down and than releasing it all at once, it won't happen.

I've also checked the tire pressure and it is fine.

some other thing I believe is related to it is a hollow squawk / bumping sound (like something moving in the trunk) coming from the rear left wheel while taking a sharp turn.

I think both sounds are caused by a bad wheel bearing, what do you think?

And if it is a wheel bearing can I replace it on my own? or is it a problem doing it without some special equipment on a felicia?

Cheers,

Le-Fay.

I have the same squeek on changing gear but its not a wheel bearing, my only thought is it could be the weight shift from taking power off on the clutch to reaplying it when u have changed gear and put the power back on again and is just the suspension/dampers adjusting to the new forward force! thats just a guess and probally not right! as for the not rising past 65mph the cars are good for at least 105mph have you thought about the possibility of it being the clutch slipping?

Clutch squeak is very common on the Felicia, both of mine have it and the hatch has only done 13,000 miles.

Don't know about 105, but I was fast jumping to conclusions...

It probably was just the road conditions and me being to soft on the paddle...

Just drove it 87 mph an hour ago

As for the clutch squeak my father (who use to be a mechanic) said it could be the type of clutch (some thing about a "Chinese cap" or cone type clutch) but he don't know the Felicia too well.

So, is it just a noise and not a problem in your case?

Yeah its a common noise, just seems to be due to the lining material and the fact they are a really small clutch (190mm diameter)..lol

Could also be that the Cat is Knackered and it's choking the car! This happened on my G/F's 1 litre Polo! Cut out the cat (As it didn't need it 'cos it was a 92 car) and it solved the problem