Hi Guys,

We just bought a 2008 Roomster (1.6 gas - auto tran) new in Panama. This is my first experience with a Skoda and this particular engine. Therefore the following may be "normal" or, alternatively, indicative of a problem.

1). The motor has a particular sound that I would classify as "lifter noise". I.e., it does not purr smoothly, but more or less "rattles" upon accelaration - (much like a normal running diesel sounds..). Again - this may be the normal sound of this engine - just hoping to confirm that this is indeed normal.....

2). The brake calipers when released... make an incredible creeking sound. WOW. This is true for both the front and backs. You can hear it a block away! Again, do owners find this to be common with their Skodas? Perhaps this will work its way out with time.....??

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated!

Cheers,

Scott

Hi Scott and welcome to the fold. My 1.6 Tiptronic, same as yours, is generally very quiet with a bit of a roar on hard acceleration, sounds a bit sporty if anything, I wouldn't describe it as rattly though.

As for the caliper noise, that doesn't sound right at all. I never hear anything whatever from the brakes and I think you need to get that checked.

Keith

Edited 15 September, 200916 yr by Calomax
typo

I have a Fabia 1.6 Tiptonic, same as roomster. I would agree and say the same. it is quite a noisy unit, especially under load. Dont forget the car changes gear while the throttle is still held open which gives a different sound to a manual,

The brakes will be normal too, it's because the car is trying to creep forwards all of the time, if you release the brakes very quickly it wont happen. When using air conditioning or when the engine is cold the creep will be stronger due to the increased rpm, this causes the brakes to squeal quite loudly as you let off the brakes or apply them very gently

I have a Fabia 1.6 Tiptonic, same as roomster. I would agree and say the same. it is quite a noisy unit, especially under load. Dont forget the car changes gear while the throttle is still held open which gives a different sound to a manual,

The brakes will be normal too, it's because the car is trying to creep forwards all of the time, if you release the brakes very quickly it wont happen. When using air conditioning or when the engine is cold the creep will be stronger due to the increased rpm, this causes the brakes to squeal quite loudly as you let off the brakes or apply them very gently

Ok, I stand corrected, but I don't find the engine noisy. However, I always back off the throttle to make it change when I want it to and never even feel it change. Most times I have to check the display to see if it has changed.

I normally apply the handbrake when I stop but, even on the rare occasions when I hold it on the brakes, I've never heard anything when releasing them.

After posting yesterday, I have taken particular notice and, when I apply or release the handbrake I can sometines detect a very slight sound, calling it a clunk would be an exageration and I couldn't describe it as a creaking noise.

It sounds to me as though the rear suspension is settling and releasing in response to the transmission drag opposing the brake.

I do hear a slight creaking noise when I get into the car which again must be the suspension settling because of my weight. Perhaps that's what you hear as the suspension adjusts when you release the brake.

Hi Guys,

Thanks for your feedback! I believe the loud creaking is definitely coming from the brakes (if I release brakes quickly there is only a short chirp.. if released slowly it reverberates throughout the car). Specifically, it sounds like it is coming from the calipers when they are released (and not from pads dragging on disk.. but I could be wrong). I think one contributing factor is the high humidity in Panama. The disks will show signs of rust after a day or two of just sitting (not too mention the occasional splash of dog urine..grrrr).

My major concern is with the engine noise. My experience has been with U.S. brands and Japanese brands of cars. I have no experience with those from Europe. All I can say is that this motor definitely sounds different! The sound isn't offensive and doesn't make me think it is going to blow up. I would consider it a bit sporty, but I wouldn't consider it smooth... I believe it is valve or lifter noise - whether it is normal or not.. I need to find out. Of course the dealer said it is normal.. but the dealer also pumped 53 PSI of pressure into each tire!.. (hence my skeptism).

Thanks again guys!

53PSI I'm suprised they didn't blow up. It might just be that the engine is different to what you are used to, I think that the 1.6 is one of VW's older engines which may explain some of the noise. Try getting a test drive in another car with the same engine and see if it sounds any different.

Yep - that is exactly what I am looking into! I am trying to locate somebody with a similar spec Roomster or Fabia and listen to their motor!

Just to clarify, the 1.6 is indeed a VW built motor?

I was wondering why the ride was so choppy... I checked the airpressure... and my tire guage maxed out at 53 psi on all four tires! I brought the pressure down to around 32 psi..and it rides much better! Apparently the tech at the dealership didn't read that the 51 psi marked on the sidewall was the MAXIMUM..

thanks!

Just to clarify, the 1.6 is indeed a VW built motor?

Indeed, it has a Skoda badge but is a VW engine. You will find VW logos on most of the components as well. I like to think I have VW quality without paying VW prices for car or servicing and I haven't had to deal with my local rubbish VW dealer either.

Bet the tyres were bouncing you all over the road. Yes the engines and chassis are from VW. I dont know if you could get a test drive in a VW with a similar engine; although it may be that the Roomster has less soundproofing. I'm sure I've heard that in the UK the base models have less sound proofing/ deadening than the mid and high spec ones. It may be that in Panama they sell all Roomesters with less sound proofing?

David

Hi Guys,

Thanks for your feedback! I believe the loud creaking is definitely coming from the brakes (if I release brakes quickly there is only a short chirp.. if released slowly it reverberates throughout the car). Specifically, it sounds like it is coming from the calipers when they are released (and not from pads dragging on disk.. but I could be wrong). I think one contributing factor is the high humidity in Panama. The disks will show signs of rust after a day or two of just sitting (not too mention the occasional splash of dog urine..grrrr).

My major concern is with the engine noise. My experience has been with U.S. brands and Japanese brands of cars. I have no experience with those from Europe. All I can say is that this motor definitely sounds different! The sound isn't offensive and doesn't make me think it is going to blow up. I would consider it a bit sporty, but I wouldn't consider it smooth... I believe it is valve or lifter noise - whether it is normal or not.. I need to find out. Of course the dealer said it is normal.. but the dealer also pumped 53 PSI of pressure into each tire!.. (hence my skeptism).

Thanks again guys!

If the car is relatively new, its possible the front pads were not bedded in and are glazed. Alternatively they may just be sticking to rusty disks. I would give the car a good drive and bed the brakes in then try again. If the brakes work OK on the open road and pull up well with no noise, then at least the system is fundementally sound. If it still creaks, get the dealer to deglaze the pads (with some sandpaper) and try again.

I used to get this issue on a Vauxhall Astra. Turned out the dealer who serviced it forgot to re-fit the caliper shims when he replaced the pads. May be worth having the breaks looked at.

I test drove a 1.6 manual and it did have a "rorty" note if you revved it but it was OK when going slowly and the idle was not that noisey (not all that quiet either but certainly not clattery). One problem with a spacious car is that there is a lot more interior volume for sound to resonate in the cabin.

If its sounds clattery at idle, I dont know if on this car the valves have hydraulic clearance adjustment (which always clatters till it warms up) or manual (in which case it may be worth checking the clearances).