Bristolian

Thanks Matt and Ken for the thoughts and suggestions. It's strangely comforting to know that someone else has same wiper problems! It sounds like there's a bug of some sort in the electrics. As the saying goes, 'old age doesn't come alone!' Will try the suggestion of just revving the engine at 3000 rpm to see if the same noise occurs. Thanks to this website, I've discovered that there is what sounds like a good independent VAG garage in the Bristol area, Streetwise. I called them up and explained the problem, and they promised to have a look, or rather, a listen. Reassuringly, the man thought that it was unlikely to be a problem with the timing chain, but thought he might be able to tell just by listening to the engine. Will report back on any findings! Wishing everyone a good weekend, Bristolian

Hello TriggerFish Many thanks for this comment. I went back and checked Haynes, and realised I was mixing up the 1.4 OHV and the 1.4 DOHC engines. And by golly you're right--it is a chain and not a belt. That actually makes more sense from the point of view of the sounds I've been hearing, which seem closer to a clanking CHAIN than a belt. Thanks again, B.

Many thanks Jim, that's very helpful, will look into the wishbone bushes!

Any help with the following issues with a Fabia 1.4 2001 8v Estate would be much appreciated! 1) If the car is driven above 60mph (100km/h) for any length of time (i.e. above 3000 revs), the engine makes a sound (something like a very quick chas-chas-chas-chas-chas…) that is directly proportional in speed to revs—if you pull over and allow the engine to idle the sound also slows down. If you turn off the engine for a short while and then set off again, the sound goes away of its own accord (unless you drive at higher speed again, in which case it returns). Could this be a problem with the fabled timing belt, or the timing belt tensioner? Not clear if timing belt problem actually applies to the old 1.4 8v engine; belt has not been changed yet, though change is prob. due now that car has passed the 50.000 mile mark. 2) Front of Fabia makes a very strange sound, which I can only really describe as a low-frequency ‘squeak’ (realise that sounds like a contradiction in terms) after the car has hit a hole or gone over a speed bump. This noise sees more likely to occur if conditions are wet or damp outside, and on coldish days. Initially thought it was a shock-absorber, but seems to be something bigger and closer to the back of the engine—almost as if it were an engine mounting issue. 3) Wipers seem to have a mind of their own—they do a single wipe every now and then, usually at night when I have the lights on, but the wipers off! Again, any suggestions much appreciated! --Bristolian

Greetings to the members of Briskoda I drive a Skoda Fabia Estate which I bought new at the end of 2001, with a 1.4 8V (MPI) engine. The car is now eight years old, and recently reached the 50.000 mile (80K kms). Though it has a few niggles (at least I hope they’re niggles, more on these in a separate post), it still feels very solid, and runs smoothly. The things I like the most about the car are its amazing space (regularly put down the rear seats and throw two bicycles in the back, a feat few other ‘superminis’ can match); its no-fuss, and very solid build quality; and its quietness on the motorway. In terms of design issues, I’m probably not the only 1.4 MPI Fabia owner who wishes he’d bought a more efficient engine. And I’m certainly not the first UK car owner who is disappointed by the mafia-like prices charged by established dealers; I stopped using the one that sold me the car when they charged me £500 to replace a faulty bushing quite soon after the car’s three-year unlimited warranty ran out. The parts were quite cheap, the labour was not! Indeed if anyone lives in the Bristol UK area and can recommend an independent mechanic who knows Skoda Fabias well and charges reasonable prices I’d be very grateful for the address. I am, however, hoping that I won’t have to use them very much, and that what I’ve read about the car is true—that it will go on rolling, and rolling smoothly, for many years to come!