101FC

I have a 2008 1.9 diesel Octavia which has suddenly developed a bad oil leak. It appears to be dripping from the bottom of the oil filter so I'm guessing housing/ oil cooler/ gasket? Before I pull everything to bits can anyone suggest where to start. Is it possibly housing or oil cooler? Should I replace both? Any idea of a good source of parts? The leak is bad - a constant drip so bad I would not dare driving it! Any advice appreciated. Thanks.

I had this problem for a while ie gear change getting stiff and making a creaking sound when hot. Its an issue that has been widely reported on here, and although I did the recommended things (change gear oil, clean cable ends etc) it didnt solve it. However I recently got to the root of the problem so I am reporting it here in case others have the same issue. The problem is a part called a Gear Selector Link lever, a triangular plastic part that goes between the cables and the gear selector unit. The long spindle (arrowed in my photo) fits into a sleeve on the top of the gearbox selector unit. This plastic spindle obviously degrades and swells and is unable to rotate in its sleeve correctly - this is where the stiffness and creaky noise occurs. Mine actually snapped when I replaced it and it was a bitch getting the stump of the spindle out. But once replaced and gears reset, its now a different car with gearchange as slick and smooth as it should be. The part cost about £25 from ebay and is an easy fit (if it doesnt snap like mine did!) - it takes longer to remove the airbox to get to it! But there are different but similiar parts. First one I ordered did not fit despite seller assuring it would fit my motor (1.9 diesel). But br referencing part number stamped on my original broken bit it was easy to get the correct one, which I should have done in the first place! Hope this info will be of use to others.

Tends to be stiff all round when hot, fine when cold. I tool one of the cables off, the rubber wasnt great but the collar was fine. I was intending to replace the end rubbers at the same time as changing the gearbox oil.

First post so hello and thanks for letting me in. Currently have an Octavia 2 1.9 diesel - my first Skoda. Having driven old Land Rovers & Bedford vans for many years it is by far the most bafflingly modern vehicle I have ever had! Anyway, been having the familiar 'gears getting stiff when hot' syndrome. I have reset the cables which has improved things (at least I havent got stuck in a supermarket car park with no reverse since!) but its still not right. Next step is to replace gearbox oil - 140k so cant go wrong changing it!. I have checked this forum so I have an idea what to do. I assume I just fill it via the reverse switch hole - switch is presumably the only thing on the box with wires just behind the starter (looking from front) ? Just open drain plug and put in same amount that comes out. But what oil to use? Seems to be various recommendations here. Thanks for any advice.