MikeTheThinker

If your model has a power steering pump check the fluid level and condition.

You haven't given the year or other details of your car so for starters HERE is the parts catalogue entry for a 2004 facelift 5-speed manual 2-wheel drive Octy. Are the parts you seek on there?

Some questions to try to narrow the problem down a bit: 1) is the noise present when the car is not moving? 2) does the noise var with road speed? 3) does the noise vary with engine speed? 4) is the noise present at all times or does it come & go?

Have a word with your local 'Maker' centre to see if someone would 3D print one for you.

Good write-up:

The parts catalogue/diagram for the bodywork/chassis parts of the front end (all mk2 Octys for 2007) are HERE and the plastic and bracket parts of the 2007 RS front bumper are HERE. As far as I'm aware the 'pedestrian protection' elements are from the bumper mouldings. The underframe looks to be shaped to protect the cooling system and the front of the motor.

THIS LINK to LLL Parts shows the connector lead in context (item #1). A more detailed picture is HERE and a list of vehicles it fits is HERE. LLL Parts offer it new for £8.30. If they aren't right for you try the same part number on skoda-parts.com.

@Bric posted a want earlier but needs help to identify exactly which bit of plumbing he requires. I helped as far as I could but I don't know the mk1 diesel engines well enough by sight to properly identify the culprit. Car is a 2002 Octy estate 1.9tdi with an ALH 66kW motor (the 'taxi' motor I believe). Piccies and research so far in the thread below.

Ta for the extra piccies. Our old mk1 is now with our son-in-law and some miles away from here so I can't just go and eyeball it, unfortunately. I've asked the mods to move this thread to the Octy Mk1 forum where there are several people who should be able to help more. I have to go out for a bit now but I'll check back later to see if you've made any progress.

OK, I'm puzzled. Can you trace where the pipe comes from and goes to? Wider view piccies may help. What makes you think it's the intercooler plumbing?

A photo would be good. If you can examine the part you should be able to find a part number on it somewhere.

I'm not clear which bit you are talking about now. Your original piccie doesn't show a pointer - unless you mean the 'plus' sign in a circle? Are you looking for a hose or a plastic moulded cover or duct?

So, your car is a 1.9tdi diesel 66kW with an ALH engine. The parts diagram for the intercooler for an '02 ALH Octy is HERE, from which you should be able to identify the part in question and find its part number. The same site may also be able to supply the part, or if not perhaps skoda-parts.com can help. If used, there are several good breakers around north Manchester and Leeds areas (M62 corridor).

I don't have access to a VIN decoder, although @Breezy_Pete might be able to help if we haven't made progress before he sees the note. Your engine code is included on the data sticker in your owner's handbook (if you still have it) or under the mat in your boot alongside the spare wheel well. If your car is a diesel the most common variant is the 1.9 tdi, with an engine code like "ALH".

Which engine do you have?

There are many variants of a 1.9tdi Skoda engine so the actual engine code is important. You can find it either on a sticker in your car boot next to the spare wheel well or in your service book.

I suspect you're looking at a pipe connecting to the exhaust recovery valve (EGR) but knowing your engine type will help narrow down the options.

I can't offer a piccy but I was delighted to spot my first sparrow in several years here yesterday. Most of the small birds seems to have disappeared recently and the gardens are dominated by pigeons, seagulls and magpies.

A 10mm spanner would be for a 6mm thread - maybe m6 x 14mm is what you need?

You don't say what model year your car is but the page of engine diagrams for a 2004 1U Octy are HERE, although the AVU engine block is not marked as such. I think it could be THIS one. The oil pump diagram is HERE, although it doesn't show any gaskets - maybe they're listed elsewhere.

The parts catalogue entry with diagram is HERE, but I'd also suspect the wiring bundle in the rubber boot that comes into the driver's door from the front wing. It's a known weak spot on Octavias and I presume Fabias where insulation can harden and conductors break.

I'd try heat and/or a nut splitter. Whizzers are useful tools but there would be a significant risk of damaging the thread.

I did catch one of the Police reporting a 'pothole' which the subtitles reported as a 'bump'.

Welcome to another who prefers 2 wheels to more I'm interested in what aspects of BMW ownership left you unhappy?

Have you tried running with the A/C off and rechecking the fuel consumption?