Alasdair1

Back to checking pipes it is then. Good luck Alasdair

If you cant find any leaks in pipes it might be worth changing MAP anyway as it pinged up a fault code previously. At least you would know its not the MAP or MAF. Alasdair

I would get it read for fault codes to see what comes up plus as said check pipes. I once removed and replaced pipes but one didn;t seal properly and my old fabia 1.9tdi and it ran like S##t until I found the culpriit also when was airfilter changed. Might be worth running it without one for a short time to check its not choked. Alasdair

Have read that if the brake light switch fails it can do this. Check the brake lights are working. Alasdair

Had one on an old van that did the same plus wouldn't return to straight steering. Ran it for a good while before the garage could fix and it was fine but first check that the spring isn't actually broken and your missing an end. Have had that before and spring was catching as it wasn;t seated properly and causing a clunk at full lock. Alasdair

Yes use a flat blade screwdriver to remove clips and pull off ball joint. Alasdair

Hope so. Hopefully its just a damaged wire or pulled/dodgy connector. Alasdair

Try https://brakeparts.co.uk Have found them pretty good at getting less common calipers and discs. Alasdair

Not sure if it helps but my sons 1.2 htp had same problems getting through last MOT re emissions. MOT guy noticed a very slight leak in centre exhaust joint.(my fault as I hadn't tightned it properly after fitting a new front section. He sealed it and tightened it and emissions were then good. It was a tiny leak but obviously enough to affect emissions. He reckond that the engine may be sensitive to the wrong back pressure but couldn't understand why such a small leak would make a difference. Alasdair

The road tax on my old MK2 1.9tdi pd was £190 the tax on my 1.6tdi MK2 is £35-00. Maybe something to take into consideration. Neither are Ulez complient as well. Still prefer the 1,9tdi though Alasdair

Check the fuses in front of battery. The strip ones. I think its 60 or 80 amp for Psteering. Look carefully for hairline cracks. Its sometimes difficult to see them. Sons Fabia ABS one was cracked and as car heated up it opened the crack and put on warning lights. When cool it was fine

Just realised its a MK1. On the MK2 there are rear suspension arms with upper and lower bushes. They also have concentric bolts to adjust the wheel angle at top. Not sure if the MK1 is similar. If they do go you normally notice uneven tyre wear at rear and can cause clunks etc. Alasdair

Sorry meant the links to the anti roll bar at rear.

Sounds more like a failed bush or ball joint or more likely a drop link. Just did my front drop links on my MK2. They looked and felt ok but only when they were removed you could notice a fair bit of play. Doesnt take much play to get a clunk expecially with the condition of roads. Alasdair

Could be a worn outer or inner CV joint if its being heard at full lock. I had similar sounds on my old Octavia and first I thought it was the steering but it only happened when it was moving so ruled that out. It did sound like it was high up as you said and only could be heard at full lock and low speeds but turned out to be worn Inner joint. Hopefully the garage will track it down for you. Alasdair

Many thanks. Will have a look at MK2 elegance and see waht I can find. Not sure of the MK3. Its getting a bit too expensive and more complicated for my liking. Its not me its my partner who wants one. Alasdair

At 240k I would say the clutch if hasnt been changed will be pretty worn including pressure plate and release bearing. I would try bleeding clutch first and see if it makes a difference. My folks old fabia was like that but improved when new clutch was fitted. The brakes may need bled or perhaps a fluid change and see if it helps. If not it could be the brake master cylinder thats failing and letting fluid past the seals. Also check that the fluid in the reservoir isn't dropping as well in case you have a small leak somewhere either in clutch or brake system. Alasdair

Hi there, quick question, Are there specific models ie elegance or L&K that have sunroofs or was it an optional exta. Looking for an estate with sunroof but finding it hard to source one. Alasdair

Might be worth an oil and filter change. It could be that the oil is past it/low or filter is clogged. Alasdair

Check the connections and wiring to headlight for corosion/looseness plus earths if there are any and you will have to check wiring. Also check that the fuses are tight and no corosion as well. As it happens when its damp I reckon its a bad loose connection somewhere thats confusing the blown light system. Have had similar with odd bulbs causing it but as you swapped left to right I would as said reckon connections/fuses Alasdair

Probably a small stone or piece of grit that caused the groove. It will be long gone now. I doubt it will cause any problems with brakes and should wear out eventually. Alasdair

No but both my both octavia came from small independent garages that sell a few second hand cars. They were fairly cheap as they were older with around 100k and had full service history plus had belts etc done. Not perfect but well maintained and a lot cheaper than a dealer. Gave up trying to buy privately as so many were walk away now or the person selling never gets back to you or in a few cases its sold by the time you travel to look at it. Not many up here in Inverness at reasonable price so had to travel a good bit further south. Alasdair

Its surprising what you can find out using DVLA MOT history check. When we looked for a fabia for our son we found loads in so called good condition and supposedly well maintained. MOT check proved otherwise with underbody rust, weakened rusty sub frames, bald tyres with canvas showing and brake pipes etc covered in underseal which I assume is to hide corosion to name but a few. Avoid any that don't show number plate in advert if buying privately. Theres a reason they don't want you to check up on the car. As your in kent look for local registrations as they will be cleaner due to less salt on roads in winter. Up here in Inverness the winters are death to cars. Sons fabia originally came from I think cornwall and for an 06 plate is pretty spotless underneath where as my 08 plate Octavia is now past MOT due to severe body and subframe rust. Keeping it as a donor car for spares. As long as they have an excellent regular service history mehanicaly should be ok Alasdair

Not sure but personally I would look for 1.9tdi MK2 PD engine. Had one for 5 years with high mileage and no problems. No dpf fitted and best MPG was over 70. Apart from odd bushes and ball joints it was bomb proof. Alasdair

Not sure on your model but on mine MK2 hot air to cabin has a climatronic flap system to mix hot and cold air. The flaps can get worn or stick and cause no heat or no cold air. Think theres a way to reset them which might work if they arent worn out. Sorry don't know on the MK1 Alasdair