reesky

This was the one I got: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/23Pc-Front-Wheel-Drive-Bearing-Removal-Installation-Tool-Kit-UK/201908763630?epid=1388901217&hash=item2f02b33bee:g:UtwAAOSw~bFWMyBT Cheers.

Hi I got one similar to the top link for around £50GBP off eBay earlier in the year and it worked perfectly. Just make sure you get it straight as possible to wind the new one in, and make sure you press against the outer of the new bearing than the inner, as pressing against the inner to get it in will damage it. If it's correctly aligned, there's not much effort required. Good luck!

Hang on - by rear subframe do you mean rear beam? If so - the whole design of this rear beam is terrible, the bushes pivot and squash at a hideous angle. Not sure it makes a huge different but did you tighten the bolts with the car in the on the ground position? I think that's how it should be done. I'll be swapping mine for Lemforders soon too!

Have you tried http://www.buycarparts.co.uk? The parts come from Germany typically, or other parts of the EU and pre-Brexit the prices aren't bad at all (I paid £6 this week to have a brand new steering knuckle delivered from them; took a week to arrive but it was £70 for a genuine Metzger unit instead of £500 for one from Euro Car Parts). Cheers

Any ideas on the cause of water under the CD player in an Octy Mk1 Estate? I've sealed around the roof bar bolts, have checked the sunroof drains are free, have sealed around the light cluster and have checked the seam weld around the tailgate. Any other ideas please? :(

Nice one! Thanks so much for sharing. I have a brand new knuckle on the way from Germany after my original shattered when the garage tried to press the bearing out. I have the same installation tool as you and am looking forward to getting this job done. (I did order a "used" replacement knuckle after the first shattered but that turned out to be bent). Your guide is really useful. Cheers

Get it. I recently bought an Octavia identical to my previous one (but for one registration letter difference) and it's great.

Great stuff. Well done. When you get around to doing the TT bushes, a hefty bench vice often does the trick when it comes to putting them in. If not, you can get a wind-in tool off eBay for around £20. No need to go faffing around with 5-tonne presses and wotnot. Cheers.

Yeah I got an Octavia Estate 1.9TDI (ASV engine) as a second car for exactly that sort of thing (minus the dogs) last year and it's great. It's my 3rd. Cheap to run, cheap to fix, Golf bits off eBay, etc, etc. It's my 3rd one and when I found it on eBay with just one registration character different to my previous one but otherwise absolutely identical I just couldn't resist! I paid £2K BUT it's in excellent nick and was owned by an old fella (before me), who has been very keen on getting stuff done on it. Solid cars. Prefer the build quality inside to my MK5 Golf. The amount of room you get in the back is ridiculous - I'm 6' and can lie in the back fully stretched out when the back seats are down.

Hi Pal you say the bushes seem fine but have you checked they're not loose in the wishbone on the side that it is pulling towards? Also, I second the point above about TT bushes - they make a HUGE difference. I'd put my money on it being bush related. Keep us posted!

I've had a similar problem. It seemed to be where the factory went around the frame before sticking the screen in - and did't get the join quite complete. Looks like the original windscreen. I *think* I've fixed it by: Using Captain Tolley's Creeping Crack Cure on the outside - not sure how this will last as it apparently returns to liquid when it warms up. Indasa sealant on the inside, along the top of the windscreen and down th eside. Sealing around where the roofbars mount - I was wondered if they were somehow leaking and getting in near the window. So far, it seems okay. The advice about the windscreen drains is good though for other people with leaks - this is a common issue.

Yes mate definitely seal around there. I've had these leak on both my estates now. I used this stuff http://www.autoconsumables.com/indasa-car-body-sealer-flexible-panel-sealer-grey-310ml-cartridge-2512-p.asp - but bear in mind it will remain tacky. So far, so good. Normal silicon isn't too good on metal, apparently. I applied the stuff directly to the body of the car, making sure to go around the screw holes etc, before putting the light cluster back in place.

Yes mate definitely seal around there. I've had these leak on both my estates now. I used this stuff http://www.autoconsumables.com/indasa-car-body-sealer-flexible-panel-sealer-grey-310ml-cartridge-2512-p.asp - but bear in mind it will remain tacky. So far, so good. Normal silicon isn't too good on metal, apparently.

That's great news, thanks for sharing

Half leather electric Toledo seats fitted - cost an extra £8 to insure