HUD Engineer

A very helpful guy called Anthony at Vindis Skoda was able to establish that the difference between the springs is that the Blue YYY are stiffness Grade 4, while the Blue OO Brown are Grade 6, hence why my normally unladen car is riding much higher at the back now Both grades are currently available parts, but it isn't obvious why my car had the Grade 4 springs on, unless it left the factory with them, as there is no record of them being changed. As langers2k noted, the replacement springs I was supplied are entirely correct for the PR code of the car, OYF, but it currently isn't clear whether the BYYY (OYD) were considered by Skoda to be a suitable alternative for my car at some point. If they are, the next challenge is arguing that I had pointed out what I had fitted on the car, when the new springs were ordered, but wasn't given the option of re-ordering the same thing. Now, I have a stiffer ride, which I didn't want, but may be what Skoda always intended...

Wow, impressive detail. Thanks for the part numbers, which tallies with what they supplied. I didn't know about the full PR list. I asked my dealer in an email: they ignored it, but reassured me that the springs are compatible, and to just give them time to settle. I'll try again, or sign up to the service I never knew existed. It leaves me wondering what a lottery it is trying to get the right springs from any other source, like ECP, if there are so many options. Thanks to others that have repied too. I've learnt a bit this weekend...

More than two years on, the WD-40 sprayed liberally into the parking sensors seems to have been very effective, and I've not applied any more so far as I can recall. Andy

I also found a link to the planet VAG site that let me check my 46 option codes... 2UC says it is a sports model, and H6L confirms the 225/45/17 tyres. PRCode: L55 = "Suspension range 55 installation control only no requirement forecast" leaves me unsure, and PRCode: G02 = "Front shock absorption" - leaves me a bit puzzled.. shock absorption, or no shock absorption?? From what mikey VRS says, we are on the same front springs, and I suspect blue + yellow + yellow + yellow is Octavia II VRS Estate. But was it on the original car spec or not?? And what is Blue , 2 x Orange, Brown really intended for? Andy

They put a fluorescent dye in last time, and ran it then, but said there was no sign of a leak at that stage, either. Will the dye have left a trace, or will they be back to square one? Is getting it refilled again, and having another concerted period of use likely to get the seal to do it's job, or does someone need to replace every seal in the system?

Yes, on the outside face of the spring coils. On the fronts, on mine at least, they are conveniently located facing the tyre, on each side, but at the back I think one may face forward, on the O/S/R, while the N/S/R faces back, and are on the slightly more than half way up the spring. A torch and a damp cloth may help reveal what you have...and a bit less rain... Andy

My 56 plate car was regassed in October last year, then May this year. They reported there was no leak, but a month later it was sounding a bit odd and sloshy, and now there isn't any cold air. If it isn't a leak, what is going on? Thanks, Andy

Be advised that the bottom bolts, at least in the case of my 2006 Octavia Mk ii L&K Estate, are stretch bolts, and new ones should be used, tightened to 90Nm and then tightened a further 90 degrees. Now, the problem I have is this: I understood my Octavia (which I purchased from a dealer when it was 3 years old) was originally specified with VRS suspension, but I may have been misinformed by the dealer. When I removed the broken spring (last 3" of coil, that all rests on the lower buffer), I found both rears marked 1x Blue, 3x Yellow (The fronts are 1x White, 3x Red) When I rang Skoda, they checked, using the VIN, and told me that according to the database, I should have 1x Blue, 2x Orange, 1x Brown. I queried this, pointing out that I had Blue, Yellow, Yellow, Yellow, and the technician within earshot of the Parts counter guy said, yes, they were compatible. But while the springs in their uncompressed state appeared to be the same length, the car now sits a good inch and a half higher at the back, on both sides, and looks odd. Can anyone else advise if I now have a VRS front and a normal rear, so to speak? How can I check if this was original from the factory, or not? I believe the additional build data codes the options, in some fashion, but don't know how to proceed. Thanks, Andy

OK, so in my case - phantom obstructions, and no towbar - One generous dose of WD40 sprayed onto each sensor and the excess swabbed off with kitchen towel seems to have restored them to normal operation. They have been back to normal for about two weeks so far. Reversing is no longer the audio annoyance that it was. Call me happy.

Where did you get to on this? I have a similar problem, but no towball to explain it. All four sensors are clicking steadily, but phantom obstructions are being reported. Sometimes they do work properly for a few seconds, and I suspect that only happens during sustained dry spells. I keep the car clean, and don't jet wash the car, but when they are playing up, drying them with a tissue does not remedy them. I've resorted to WD40, to see if it can chase any damp out, and I'm already thinking of giving each a gentle bake with a hair drier, to see if I can make them behave, but not feeling too hopeful. Now that we don't have incautious children playing around our cars, the sense of need is reduced, so I may resort to disabling the system rather than living with the noise and mistrust that they are inducing. I seem to recall someone suggested dampness on the back of the sensors, where the wires go in, but cannot refind that article, if it was on this forum, as I suspect it was. Thanks, Andy

Ah, thanks. A useful link - now bookmarked - so long as "Disassembly wedge -3409-" isn't too intricate. A bit of a challenge, just to change a light, but an inconsiderate rear-end shunt doesn't appeal either. Much more informative than the Haynes manual for my Mk1 Octavia was, as I recall when I wanted to remove a door panel.

Hi. I've just been advised that my High Level Brake Light isn't working at all, and was handed an MOT Certificate at the same time. At home, I confirmed their observation, and then tapped my kuckles on the top of the housing, and an incomplete row of LEDs turned on. Tapped it again, and they went off, then on again, dimly. So I suspect a dodgy supply or earth, and my inclination is towards the latter. Having read how easily the trim clips can be broken, but also how vague the Haynes manual is for the Octy II, I'm wondering where the best practical assistance is for this task, which should be trivial. Any advice? By the way, someone mentioned replacing individual LEDs. I'd be up for that, but it would be nice to know the specific part numbers before embarking on the job. Thanks, Andy

Settled on just a pair of Primacy IIIs for now, from F1 Autocentres. £209.50 fitted. Note that Michelin currently have a promotion on that gives you a £50 fuel voucher if you purchase 2 or more tyres for 17" rims. The offer only runs to the end of April, mind. The first impression is that the new Primacy IIIs are noisier than the (admittedly worn) Pilot Sport IIIs.

I'm keen to hear feedback on the Primacy III's as my Pilot Sport III's are due for replacement soon, and I too had noticed the hint of lower rolling resistance. It looks like the Primacy tread has more chance of getting a bite on snow than the PS3's, for which snow was their nemesis.

I'm on the point of buying some new tyres for my Octavia L&K Estate, running on sports suspension, and 17" rims, and the Michelin Primacy III's have caught my eye. I've had some gently driven Pilot Sport III's which have lasted about 20,000 miles having swapped fronts and backs at some point, and as always, Michelin never fails to impress me. However, I see the Primacy III's offer lower rolling resistance, possibly yielding higher mileage or a harder ride, so I'm interested in how your ride has been affected. Norfolk is a bit too far out of my way, so I will look closer to home.