Star

Hi Fordfan - the clutch pedal didn't stick at all, I tried pumping it to see if I could build up some pressure but it would seem modern cars don't respond to ancient tactics. A couple of days later after garage topping up of clutch fluid it has been fine. Still, as Daverapid says, the fluid went somewhere so it needs sorting. Having read around the subject it would seem that in some cases, in cold weather (freezing), a rubber gasket (grommit?????) manages to turn inside out. Is it so cold that it is stiff and cannot move in the appropriate way and takes the line of least resistance? On warming up does the rubber perform and elastic operation and return to its normal position. In the meantime fluid has escaped and needs replacing under pressure. Seeing as this happens why haven't the boffins sorted it out? The vehicle has 43k on the clock.

I am sure you are right and will request Garage Guru orders the parts for repair - don't like living on the edge!

This morning I was taking my daughter to hospital for an operation at approx 7.00am, weather freezing. The gears became difficult to engage and finally gave out at junction 3 on the M53. I was happily recovered and daughter whisked off to hospital in a taxi (still waiting to hear about op!). Recovered to usual service garage. Loss of clutch fluid (I understand that the brakes operate from the same reservoir but clutch take off is higher so goes first) diagnosed and a bit of ribbing about being able to drive without the clutch! Clutch fluid replaced, bled, whathaveyou and for the moment fine. Garage Guru said there had been similar problems with Galaxies and Focuses (Focii?) and that after topping up, etc, had been fine. However, I am of a nervous disposition and don't fancy this happening again. :eek: Advice from you wonderful people would really be appreciated. (02 Octy 1.8T 4x4 Estate)

Thank you so much - I am having a very bad day. See clutch posting!

I had same problem too this morning. There is a vent on the dash directly under the windscreen but no air through it. The aircon has three directions feet, body or circulate. I must be a bit dim so if someone can tell me what I am doing wrong it would really be appreciated. (Octy 02 1.8T 4x4)

Phil - just had to look at your instructions again - haven't used the dog guard since last year. What a wonderful site this is!

Fantastic - lovely new tyres. Just driving back from the fitters there is a sureness underfoot and the whole car just feels better balanced. I thought there was a bit of life left in the old tyres but now I am really glad to have gone for new ones. The road sound is quite different being quieter.

All excited now - just off to have new Toyo T1R Proxes fitted.

Well I have taken in all you have said and all I have read and checked out prices. It looks like the Toyo PROXES T1-R 205/55 ZR16 91W Rim-protection at

I will be due for new tyres fairly soon and have been reading the threads with great interest and a huge amount of ignorance. Currently I have 205/55/16 Michelin Pilot Primacy (91W) but the choice in replacements is so enormous I now feel confused. How on earth do you work out which is the best tyre to go for?

The springs have arrived! Whooooooppppppeeeeeeee!!!!!!! Can't just have one though - must have two. Still I will, I hope, be sorted and fitted by Monday evening. May this never happen to anyone else. It seems Eastern Europe has us by the short and curlies - not just springs but the gas supply too. Heaven help us.

Still no rear springs - been waiting since 19 April.

Sounds good to me Simon. I guess you are in Cornwall and I in Merseyside. If you could PM me perhaps we could sort something out. Cheers.

Spot on DGW. Five orange spots on my springs.

I don't wish to fit lowering springs. Doesn't suit mountain passes!

No - not under warranty. However I will by trying for compensation.

Octavia 4x4 1.8T. I have started this new thread because previously I followed on from an earlier one on the same subject but puter doesn't seem to like threads more than 3 pages long. Anyway - update. Still no springs. Skoda UK phoning me twice a week to inform of "progress". There is none and mid-June (from end of April) is still the date of delivery. I understand there are many now waiting for these parts. I am not used to such appalling service.

Update on spring supply. After sending an email to Skoda they phoned yesterday requesting details of my problem. Having supplied info they said they would phone back after speaking to local parts supplier. Sure enough just after 5.00pm I got a call to say a pair of rear springs should be with me by next Friday (not mid-June!) and Skoda will phone next Wednesday to confirm. Although waiting with bated breath I am also astonished at the service and if they really do arrive you will be able to knock me over with a feather. But I will be soooooo happy. Watch this space.

Thanks for all your helpful replies. There are plenty of lowering spring kits around but I would like to replace with originals or original type. Stu - my Russian isn't much good but they don't list Estate 4x4 1.8T (Avtoshop). I will try your other link - Lesjofors Auto - tomorrow. I have tried some local factors but no joy. I spoke to the Skoda dealers parts shop and they said that if I had taken the vehicle into them for servicing Skoda would have coughed up 50% of the cost! However, they didn't have access to any springs either - in fact he guessed that my garage was doing the repair because they had ordered the part from him. He then started talking about loyalties? I explained I usually bought my vehicles at 3 years old and had been using my local garage quite happily for many years. It would seem that if I can locate the springs no-one will be held to the Skoda order.

Well folks - it would appear there is not one replacement rear spring in the country! Not only that - they wont be available until mid-June! What a bummer.

Sarah - I have sent you a private message re these springs. Cheers

Hi - I bought mine through EBay - it wasn't cheaper but much cheaper than buying new. It fits like a dream and it is a mesh welded to a tubular frame of strong construction. The dogs wouldn't be getting their heads through. As I am sure you are well aware dog hair flies everywhere and the only answer to that is regular hoovering. This is a link to EBay Skoda dog guard taken this morning. http://search.ebay.co.uk/Skoda-dog-guard_W0QQfromZR40

Thanks Goochie - much appreciated.

Can someone tell me the correct way to fit the Skoda dog guard to the Octavia Estate? Thanks in anticipation. :rubchin:

Hi Sarah - I told my garage you had the Apex springs but they said the order with Skoda would have to stand as they were obliged to pay. They also said the springs had to have five orange spots on them (?) as springs had been sent but they were the wrong ones.