Hi,

I have a 2001 Fabia TDI with 82,000 miles on. I've had it about 4 years and it's been doing be proud really - most reliable car I've ever had and hasn't given me any trouble.

Lately the suspension has started squeaking quite a lot - front and back - and all the time, even on a very little compression (ie gentle braking, not only going over a big bump). A couple of services ago I think they said something about bump struts or something, but it just got through an mot with no problems...

There is a service due, which I'm sort of postponing due to cashflow (also it is due for 12 months, but I don't do much mileage, so it's only been 3-4k since the last service).

Anyway, I was wondering if anyone could give some advice on what it's likely to be, how much it's likely to cost to sort out, and how important it is (I can live with the squeaking for a while, but obviously don't want to leave it if it's going to cause other problems) since I figure forwarned is forearmed for when I eventually take it in.

Thanks!

Hi —

This isn't an answer but moral support. I have creaks and groans from the suspension of my 02 Fabia TDI combi. Mine's done 130k. I assume it's the bushes. One way or another, I don't think it's serious, though driving with knackered bushes can lead to the ironwork starting to wear. That, obviously, is not good.

If anyone can suggest a likely cost for replacing the bushes, I'll book my bed in the coronary care unit now.

Also the rear engine mount on mine is clonky — caused, I assume, by the combination of a heavy-footed previous owner and the rather wild torque reversals you can get with this engine. The fuel cut-off is very unsubtle when it cuts back in on my car, so around town there's plenty of scope for stressing out the engine mounts.

All polite comments appreciated.

On my previous car, some of the upper top mount bushes started squeaking. This was due to moisture getting up there and then drying out the bushes. Obviously they then go hard and start to squeak. All i did was get a can of wd 40 and spray the bushes then put some white grease on any bush i could find. Cured the problem on mine so might be worth a go on yours before you start spending any money.