Lyonzo

Keep an eye on Gumtree etc. you should be able to pick up a set of 15" Golf/Octavia wheels for just as cheap (if not cheaper) as a set of steels, but would look far better! I got a set of 16" alloys for the wife's Mk6 on eBay for £40.

Is it 8, 10 or 12 years?

Spoke to Skoda there. The one for my car is AK, and the previous revision was AH (which is a Bora part number too). Would I be right in thinking the AH for both the Bora and Octavia would literally be the exact same then? there wouldnt be any alterations for different models, as the part number is identical? If this is the case, then my understanding is that a 4motion prop shaft (and possibly diff) would be an option too.

Also, with regards to the prop shaft, can anyone explain how ETKA works? Below are the list of prop shafts from the Octavia and 4motion Bora. 3 of the part number are common to both (AH, AF and AC), but on the Octavia list there are Octavia part numbers (1U) after these. Anyone know if the differences can be determined from this, or how I could find out? I appreciate all the input folks, I feel I'm nearly there now!

Excellent news! In just the TT/S3, or is the diff in the 4motion etc all literally the same too? Do those ones you posted include the haldex, pump etc too? Still not 100% in what I'm looking at.

What does a throttle body clean consist of and what are the benefits?

Still trying to confirm the correct number, then need to try and work out the differences between the 4motion ones! Next question is, would the rear diff be the same?!

I wonder what the differences are? Here are the links for the Golf and Octavia parts; http://www.vagcat.com/epc/cat/sk/OCT/2001/252/53/4443161/ http://www.vagcat.co...266/53/3482767/ There are 2 options for the Golf and maybe 7 for the Octavia, the 1J0 521 101AH and AF are the only 2 common to both, but no idea if it is for the full shaft, and what the differences are with all the others!

Anyone know where I could get a copy of etka to check the prop shaft part numbers of the Octavia and Golf/Bora? I can only find a Russian version of VW online.

He's offered to refund it. I doubt I'll be able to get him to pay ferry and flight cost back though.

snow_muncher, with regards to this other topic of mine; http://www.briskoda.net/forums/topic/260252-4x4-downhill-hesitation/page__hl__+hesitation#entry3067864 do the 2 possibilites you described still apply or the scenarios would still occur with no prop shaft fitted? The reason I ask is I was accelerating down a steepish hill yesterday again and the same symptoms occured. Obviously though I'm now armed with the knowledge that the 4x4 isn't working, so do the cases you mentioned involve some sort of electronic wizardry being performed on the rear diff, which would happen regardless of there being any drive there? And if so, is this another confirmation or clue that perhaps the diff/haldex unit is at least functioning as it should?

I tried to send you a PM there, but it says you can't receive any new ones?

Havent spoken to the original dealer yet. I phoned my solicitor this morning for some advice so have to phone the dealer here today- not looking forward to it! The best outcome would probably be to get a contribution to the cost of repair, then just pocket it as compensation and sell the car as it is. Though depending how much (if any) money he gives, it may be worth my wile to stick a prop shaft in it and see what happens. Is the haldex unit part of the diff? Is there any way I can get a part number for the prop shaft, then compare it with part numbers of other VAG cars?

Well, it turned out to be the bulbs- both of them!! I wish everything was that easy!

Well, everything is in place anyway- diff, transfer box etc. With all wheels off the ground 1 rear wheel rotated freely and the other didn't move. No LSD I assume? Then with the car both switched on and then the front wheels driving, turning one rear wheel turned the other in the same direction. Apparently there was more resistance then on the male end on the diff than there was when it could move freely with the car turned off. Does that sound like the diff is ok then?!

Could you just explain that bit further for me?

Thanks folks, I very much appreciate all the input. I'm calling at a mechanics on the way home here so I'll get it up on the ramp and test the diff. I'm hoping it still has the 4x4 gear box too. I assume I should see something similar to what I can at the diff, in the way of another flange and male end? I spoke to the garage in Epping that did the last 4 or 5 services on the car and that has at least reassured me that on paper the car is as genuine as it seems. He knew the name of the 1 and only previous owner before I even said it, and told me that if anything at all was needed on the car through its life, it got it. So now the best case scenario is that the prop shaft has somehow got damaged after it was traded in, and it was simply removed. A total long shot, but fingers crossed!

Cheers. I had a quick look under the car there (wish I knew what to look for before I bought it!) and the rear diff is still there anyway, as I can see the flange and wee male end poking out. Any way if determining if the diff is sound though, or if its buggered? Or is a prop shaft needed first.

Fantastic! I'm over in Belfast sadly and bought the car in London. I've contacted trading standards to see where I stand though.

I assume my first port of call should be get a prop shaft fitted, then see how the haldex and diff perform when they're brought to life? Also need to see where I stand with regards the dealer!

Thanks for that. Like I say, its all new to me. Could a faulty rear diff/haldex remain in place and operate as a normal axle just if the prop shaft was removed?

Is the haldex box seperate to the gear box? If so, could it be removed and the original gear box still function?

Since mid December. Bought it from a small dealer outside London, it wasn't advertised as a 4x4 model but I noticed the badge on the boot and checked the reg. I'm now wondering was that all part of the conspiracy!! I appreciate it should be obvious, but like I say I wouldnt have known to look as I only know the very basics.

Folks, I have no idea bout this sort of thing and am looking for a brief lesson, so bear with me. Basically, just got the car back from the dealer where it was in getting the coilpacks done and a free "health check". I returned to be told of a list of things, most minor, but the most pressing was that there is no 4wd prop shaft fitted. This then leads me on to the fact that if this has been removed, what else has?! Does the prop shaft just go straight into the transfer box and rear diff? Is the transfer box part of the gear box? How does it all work? Can a rear diff stop working? This could explain removing the prop shaft? I've managed to find one on eBay, but am wondering if one from a Bora or Mk4 Golf 4motion would fit as well? Great start to 2013!

As in the green symbol to let you know they're on? If so, yes it comes on as normal.