MikeTheThinker

You said originally a "banging ticking noise". Did the problem start quietly with a ticking noise and progress to a banging noise or was it both from the start? Has there been any loss of performance?

Thanks for the update, Colin. Any ideas on how such behave in a crash? I'm thinking in particular about the inertia from a high-mount battery on an e-bike.

Could it be one of these? I think it could be a clip to hold the door seal ... or maybe a cable clip?

I understand that clamp-on-the-towball devices work fine but they still feel as though they are violating natural laws without a top steady ... Looks like an excellent piece of kit and great that it can canny an e-bike. I'll be very interested to learn how you find it in use.

There was one on fleabay recently near Birmingham - don't know if it's still available.

I think you're looking for items 8 & 9 here.

If you start the car but don't set off straight away do you still hear these noises (whilst the car is standing)?

Have a look at this thread on the same topic:

I think this parts diagram relates to you motor ...

Have a root around www.roofboxes.co.uk. They have pretty comprehensive and illustrated details of various roofbar arrangements by car,model & year.

There was a post on the forum recently looking for parts for a mk1. If I can find it I'll link it. (Later) Also worth a word with @DeanVRS20VTwho is accumulating an archive of mk1 info.

I've promised myself one once I've finished my folks' house resto and gotten it sold. Until then I daren't - I'd get no more work done!

Do you have a link?

Check your air filter.

Welcome aboard We're just south of you in Eccleston.

OK, thanks for letting me know. Best of luck to your other half in finding a new job!

Would it fit a mk2 Octavia estate, do you think?

Is it fairly high pitched?

Going back to the shocks question, it is possible that the shocks are so worn there's no oil left to mist out. Have you done a "wing bounce test" on the rear shocks?

Looking at the less likely possibilities here; firstly, have the rear tyres had enough use to scrub off the silicone preservative (which is definitely slippy in the wet) and secondly, have you checked both tyres are the same type/tread and have been fitted the correct way round (unlikely, I appreciate, but possible). Also another maybe; have you used a tyre prettier product on the rear tyres? If so, has any of it gotten onto the tread area?

Two points: 1) back end uncertainty can also be caused by worn tyres or tyres at incorrect pressures 2) I can't see any sign of oil mist on the shocks which suggests they are still working OK; once the seals on the shafts start to go oil mists out and the shock performance degrades.

Blowing head gasket often results in water in the engine oil - remove the oil filler cap (engine off!) and look for a whitish emulsion around the inside of the cap = water getting in somewhere. Another quick check is to let the car stand (engine off again) for about 15 minutes after a run then pull the dipstick and look for water droplets in the oil on the end of the stick. Other signs can include water levels in the cooling water reservoir going up and down as the car is revved up (with the pressure cap in place) plus possibly scum in the reservoir.. Can't help on the EGR but I'm sure someone else will jump in ...

Which engine is in your VRS? It will be something like BMM, BMN ...

You also need to understand the maximum permitted weight of caravan your car can tow - I think it's 1500kg but your handbook will confirm.