MikeTheThinker

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.

Thanks for taking the time to write this up; one day someone will be very happy you did so

Just read an interesting article on Fleet News listing all the known emission zone activity for mainland UK. It seems to be up to date to January this year and also includes good details of what the various emission zones mean. I've summarised the listed locales, their actions and action dates below and a link to the full article is here. Low Emissions Zones action dates.xls