I've just bought a 2008 Octavia estate, and on the test drive there was a rumbling from the rear. The tyres had odd bald spots on, and the garage changed them for some new ones, which seemed to cure the noise.

Having read about 'sawtoothing' on the rears and geometry settings from the forum, I have just had the geometry checked and corrected by Willie at CLCM in Edinburgh. He found the rear camber was way out, and also adjusted the toe front and back. What a big improvement in the handling! I'd been feeling a little disappointed in the car, tbh, but now it drives really nicely, and the slight 'jitteriness' that I was experiencing has totally gone, and I have confidence in the handling.

So, I'd recommend anyone buying a second-hand Octavia to get this checked out, as it's increased my enjoyment of the car a lot, and will save me on tyres too

Nice one, but mind out for speed humps/potholes etc-they can knock it back out very quickly! Even going up a slight kerb too quick (like the one at my work!) will do it-all the more so if you have the car loaded. I have the "sawtooth" problem at present, but the tyres have loads of wear left, so not going to fix it just yet. I'll wait 'til I get new tyres & do it all together.

Now I just need to wear the tyres out fast..........

Nice one, but mind out for speed humps/potholes etc-they can knock it back out very quickly! Even going up a slight kerb too quick (like the one at my work!) will do it-all the more so if you have the car loaded. I have the "sawtooth" problem at present, but the tyres have loads of wear left, so not going to fix it just yet. I'll wait 'til I get new tyres & do it all together.

Now I just need to wear the tyres out fast..........

Is the suspension overly prone to being knocked out of kilter? It looks pretty substantial but I do remember a previous VW I had was always suffering from pot-hole induced alignment problems.

Is the suspension overly prone to being knocked out of kilter? It looks pretty substantial but I do remember a previous VW I had was always suffering from pot-hole induced alignment problems.

Was the "previous VW" a Mk5 Golf? If so, I believe they suffer the same rear suspension geometry problems. As for being prone-IIRC it's only one large bolt on each side of the back axle for camber adjustment, which gets knocked out v.easily, especially if heavily laden. Maybe you could weld them in position......

I've not had any trouble with the fronts wearing uneven over 120000 miles on 2 vRS's in 2 1/2 years.

this thread has just reminded me to get mine booked in, i had a bmw several years back and had a full geometry check i paid a bit more and got the mech to adjust everything spot on , not in tolerence but perfect. it made the car handle so much better, it even handled better in the wet than previously in the dry.

I've just bought a 2008 Octavia estate, and on the test drive there was a rumbling from the rear. The tyres had odd bald spots on, and the garage changed them for some new ones, which seemed to cure the noise.

Having read about 'sawtoothing' on the rears and geometry settings from the forum, I have just had the geometry checked and corrected by Willie at CLCM in Edinburgh. He found the rear camber was way out, and also adjusted the toe front and back. What a big improvement in the handling! I'd been feeling a little disappointed in the car, tbh, but now it drives really nicely, and the slight 'jitteriness' that I was experiencing has totally gone, and I have confidence in the handling.

So, I'd recommend anyone buying a second-hand Octavia to get this checked out, as it's increased my enjoyment of the car a lot, and will save me on tyres too

mines is in tomorrow getting sorted. I'm feeling very disappointed in mine at minute. Handling is very lumpy - I can accept the fronts running off fast that's waht FWD does.

The inside edges of my rears is well and truly fooked now after 7k miles. I might have to buy 2 tyres and see if i can get some miles out of the rears before they die.

Edited 27 October, 201015 yr by sprout99

Thought I'd just add the geometry values for reference:-

Old value: -1°45' ± 30'

New value: -1°20' ± 30'

However, Willie at CLCM (excellent service, I highly recommend) said he knew all about it as soon as I opened my mouth.

Very good. Yes, those are the revised settings. I recently had mine properly setup once my new suspension was on and the wheels fitted.

Feels much better now and more planted, much more confidence inspiring.

The issue is with the design of the multi-link rear suspension really. In trying to imitate the road holding and setup of the Focus, they switched from a more complex rear design when the Mk5 came out. Interestingly, the Focus Mk2 can also suffer from this problem, so we're not the only ones! Just seems to be a 'characteristic'. But once setup properly, and you're sympathetic to the suspension, you shouldn't have any further problems. It's worth getting it checked though, perhaps annually or if you notice a change in the feel or handling ability of the car - or indeed if you manage to disappear into a large pothole...

Cheers,

Steve

my rear wheels were toeing out badly camber is now sorted

i can actually see the difference.

Blimey, must have been bad then! Having seen the minute levels of adjustment during the setup, yours must have been MILES out!

Any recommendations as to a good spot for doing this job? I'm in the Bradford area & try to avoid Kwik Fit etc etc

Any recommendations as to a good spot for doing this job? I'm in the Bradford area & try to avoid Kwik Fit etc etc

Likewise in the St Albans area. Steering very slightly out (noticeable at 50mph +) so would like to get mine properly sorted - not sure the dealer would be much help!

Any suggestions appreciated!

Thanks