P.P.Power

Thanks BJM ..... tried searching but coudn't find the post referred to ..... any chance of helping me with a link ? and a small "how to" on searching !!!!!! T.I.A.

Yes guys....I was referring to the heatshield which is below the cat section....so it doesn't prevent any heat from affecting the tunnel....but perhaps prevents long dry grass from catching fire. Thanks for the reply guys.

Anybody had a fractured mounting on the centre box section ...... and also a separated heatshield on the catalyst section ? I appear to have both issues, with the centre box now swaying about & the heatshield rattling & vibrating for fun. The heatshield appears to have parted company at the front end and is hanging low, away from the catalyst. Any suitable d.i.y. fixes out there from you guys ? T.I.A.

I've always found Swiftcover to be competitive....at least here in the North West anyway. My premium increased by £75 this year.... that's for someone who's knocking 50 & never had a claim. Stayed with Swiftcover for another year.

Thanks, I'll follow your lead.

Can anyone provide any pointers regarding the handbrake cable on the rear calipers..... i.e. do i definately need to disconnect the cable end during pad & disc renewal or can it be left connected ? On completion, when the brake pedal is depressed to set new pads against the disc, what effect does this have on the handbrake cable adjustment if the cable has been removed, and/or if it hasn't been removed ? Sorry but it's my first time for pad replacement.... @ 90,000+ miles !! Any help gratefully received & appreciated. T.I.A.

Thanks for those dimensions VRSPhil. I'll check mine tomorrow.

Liverpool-Lad, yes ... that may be a good idea if I'm fobbed off. I'll keep you informed, .... thanks for the offer, ...I may hold you to it !!!

"Swapped out" in Wigan area, rather not name names at the moment.

Mmm good thinking, ...... I'll ask if & when they phone me back ! Thanks for that.

After almost 5 years & 53,000 miles the front N/S coil spring has broken suddenly. Amazingly whilst reversing out of my driveway. Headed round to my nearest garage, an independent, to get it sorted. New pair of supposedly VRs springs fitted on their advice. However the car now sits noticeably higher at the front than the rear. It feels softer & I suspect that standard Octavia springs have been fitted. The garage assures me that VRs springs were ordered, non genuine parts, ( probably my first mistake ! as they were a cheaper option). I have asked them to contact their supplier to confirm what had been sent. The request is does anybody out there have the correct standard ride height ( i.e. floor to wheel arch through wheel centreline) for a standard Mk1 Vrs ? I can then prove/argue that it is definately sitting higher than normal. Could be facing a further wallet blow to have genuine parts fitted. Currently waiting for the garage to confirm either way. Don't hold out much luck ... I think I will be ultimately fobbed off. How should I progress if this proves to be the case ? Thanks for any replies in advance. :(

:eek: Thanks for your replies guys. Well last night it was rather wet outside....so ...torch in hand went for a look see. Blow me wasn't a little fella trying to pull his (or her ! ) shell through my front spoiler grill...from the inside of the spoiler to the outside. Only this one snail visible on the car.....lifted the bonnet to check.....all clear. However my brick gate post was crawling with them.....small baby ones at that. Obviously nursery was out ! Going to try a snail beer trap in the garden to divert them from my Octy. The black under bonnet sound insulation shows up the trails when they have been on the march around the engine bay. Checked again first thing this morning...all clear. Will have to check late on & early doors to keep on top of them. Wish me luck.

On two separate occasions I have opened the bonnet on my '52 VRs to find B-B-Q'd snails well and truly baked onto the engine cover, alloy head, and on the surrounding wiring. It appears that somehow the snails are making their home on my engine overnight...and getting cooked the next morning when I drive off. It's taking ages to clean the mess that remains. Has anyone experienced this strange phenomena...and does anyone have a suggestion for irradicating this problem. I'm having to open the bonnet to check before driving off, but have still been caught out when I don't check. It's as though they know. I am now even considering a boundary of slug pellets around my car at nightfall to try to stop these annoying creatures. Help.....a desparate vrs owner.

Thanks to everyone who replied to my original post. After a visit to my local Skoda dealer...the diagnosis.....a faulty coolant temp sensor giving rogue parameters apparently. A replacement part on order and fitting under warranty in 1 weeks time. Surprisingly the friendly mechanic implied numerous vehicles suffering the same problem....due to hotter than normal weather conditions...can you believe it ? I find it hard to believe that a temp sensor is not stocked, moreso when numerous cars have been in with the same problem. The warning light hasn't been reset as it will come on again apparently, so awaiting the replacement. Does anyone know where the sensor is located ?