Hey guys -

I was wondering whether I might be able to get some advice -

I have a 2003 Fabia Classic with just over 80k on the clock. It's been a great car (apart from the timing chain failure at 60k) but in the last few months, I started to get an intermittent sort of squeak/creak from what appears to be the front suspension. Thinking this problem could be easily resolved, I took it to Skoda where they advised replacement of the rear wishbone bushes. I had this work done (£160) but to no avail. Noise still present. Reading a lot on here about ARB and the bushes being a bit of a problem - so I took the car back to Skoda for an inspection. I was almost certain from what I read this would be the issue. To my surprise, I was informed that there is no problem with the ARB or bushes - and infact - I have the "modified" ARB fitted anyway. News to me!

Other obvious aspects of my suspension, i.e. coil springs and shockers seem to be ok. I've copper greased all the ARB bushes I can access, the wishbone bushes - and the strange thing is, the noise is not always present, and it doesnt necessarily disappear in wet weather. I know that without hearing it a diagnosis can be tricky, but are there any other known problem areas on the Fabia that could be causing this noise? Are there any points I can lubricate? I'm told that this is a "process of elimination", which I find rather unacceptable as I've already thrown £160 at this problem and I'm by no means an expert!

Any advice woould be very much appreciated!

Cheers,

Guy

when does it do it going over bumps, changing gear etc?

Copperslip on bushes = very bad idea, it will rot the rubber over time. You need white PTFE spray grease.

Not sure what type of suspension the Fabia has but on my last car I had squeeky top mount bushes.

The noise only occurs when going over bumps - ie speed humps. It doesn't happen when changing gear or driving on the flat.

I noted the comment on copper slip rotting bushes. Wiped it off and used silicone spray instead - needless to say, the noise persists!

The noise only occurs when going over bumps - ie speed humps. It doesn't happen when changing gear or driving on the flat.

I noted the comment on copper slip rotting bushes. Wiped it off and used silicone spray instead - needless to say, the noise persists!

If you dont want to throw money away and Skoda say that everything is ok.

Solution = turn the volume up and relax

I would - but given that the driver's side factory fitted speaker was shafted by about 50k - it makes it even more challenging

Sing loudly when going over bumps

Haha - or maybe I can drown it out with the groaning/flatulent sound my air re-circulation motor makes when I press the recirc button

Just out of interest, does it do it as the suspension moves both up and down or just once as you first hit them?

On a previous car i had horrid squeaking/creaking going over speed bumps when wet/cold. Had the arb bushes greased, made little to no difference. had them replaced for about £10 and the noise went straight away.

Not saying that's what it is, but just saying greasing doesn't always cure it.

As fas as I can tell it's when you first hit them and as the suspension moves up and down.

How did you managed to get the bushes changed for £10? I've been quoted £90 and upwards, and besides - Skoda claim that they're ok and there's no movement in the bar. Probably just fobbing me off though!

As fas as I can tell it's when you first hit them and as the suspension moves up and down.

How did you managed to get the bushes changed for £10? I've been quoted £90 and upwards, and besides - Skoda claim that they're ok and there's no movement in the bar. Probably just fobbing me off though!

I bought the bushes for £6 delivered off the bay of e and got a friend to help fit them in exchange for tea and food

Wasn't a fabia though, all it needed was a set of ramps and something to undo 4 bolts Not sure if its much trickier!

It's not a job I could take on myself - simply not experienced enough. Any other takers on what this could be? :confused:

Have still got a creaking suspension issue with my vrs, currently on 92,000 miles.

I've changed the front and rear wishbone bushes, checked the ARB bushes (which look ok), sprayed them with WD etc. but the noise still persists. So far it's difficult to replicate the noise when the weight is off the wheels and i'm underneath the car (with my old man turning the steering lock to lock).

The creaking only really happens when there's a shift in weight i.e. under acceleration / heavy braking or steering.

Thing is, I checked the bottom ball-joints for play and wear when I did the console bushes and they seemed fine. I'd like to find the fault rather than go down the process of elimination route and spend several bucks on replacing various parts, but I'm stuck on where to check next.

Is anyone else having similar problems at the mo? Could it be top-mounts?

anyone have any ideas guys?

Are you 100% sure it's the front? Rear bushes can be squeaky.. I had to grease mine up this winter just gone.

Also, The garage saying your bushes are fine only means they're fit for purpose and safe, not they won't squeak.. My console bushes squeaked but was told all fine.. after having some work done they got changed and the squeak has now gone!

Will - I've got the same thing as you mate. Any shift in weight it creaks like you stand of floorboards. Its driving me mad.

Its going to my uncles garage next Friday for service and MOT, so i'll let you know what he thinks.

That would be awesome if you could - any advice is still much needed. Have still got the problem too - I'm now not so sure whether it's the front, rear or both - needless to say I'd more or less given up, was going to re-visit it when the car comes up for service and MOT in October. It doesn't seem to have developed into anything worse though - luckily - and it's only when "traffic calming" seems to be in the equation :thumbdwn:

Cheers,

Guy

have u tried silicone spraying the gearbox mount bush under the battery, sure there was an issue with this on a few vrs's on here, worth a go?

It sounds like its coming from the front of mine, but when I shake the car it a squeaky noise comes from the back.

I've just bought some PTFE spray, so will try that bush tomorrow if the weather is better.

Guy - I'll update you on this post when back from Uncles garage. I cant take it anymore!!!!!

I too have this issue with my vrs did anyone cure the problem?

Not the cheapest stuff but try motorcycle chain lube.

I used Motul road chain lube - comes in a spray can with a straw.

When you spray it - it is like thin oil -so it gets in to all of the bushes and the gaps around them.

Then it becomes thicker and stays where it has got to.

My Ibiza TDi is squeek free now.