Hey guys

After having a rummage round a few places your forum stands head and shoulders above so am hoping you may be able to offer some help.

I run a very basic 1.4 MPi Fabia in that bastion of awesome colour Classic Bronze. I have experienced all the usual issues such as the power steering switch playing up (left alone as it doesn't bother me). Noisy dashboard (a clump with a tight fist)

But have encountered a recent issue that drives me mad.

Now the front of the car has always creaked a little over things like those car width speed bumps that you can straddle, and always used to creak a bit more when it rained, but now when it ss cold there is a distinct front end creak!

Let me explain it more... It sounds like something is moving, either the engine mountings or perhaps a engine steady, because this sort of creak only happens when you either brake or apply throttle. Eg when you change gear or simply go on and off the gas or to touch the brake.

I have tried sitting in the car and having it bounced at the front, so I do not think it is suspension related or even related to the dodgy anti-roll bar bushes? Surely if you are bouncing the front end the roll bar bushes (I know they are an issue) would creak if they were worn?

If I am driving along at say 20 mph, no throttle on a flat road, and declutch, I get a creak, apply throttle again I get a creak. If I simply declutch and keep declutching repeatedly I get a creak each time. If I apply the throttle every few seconds I get a creak when i touch the gas and then another whe the weight goes forward and you let off the gas.

It feels and sounds like something is moving! But only when the weight of the front of the car moves like when you touch the gas or brake.

But this is one of those issues that could cost loads to diagnose and let's be honest its an old car that I aint gonna spend loads on to keep running.

But, it is very reliable mechanically and I love that. It is economical and not cost me anything but maintenance for 2 years. Just this creaking? What could it be? Engine mounts< some kind of loose bracket or mounting?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

My missus' Ibiza has this creaking at the front...it was the front wishbone bushes (called console bushes). Very common problem. Around £140-£170 replaced at a garage.

Trebor, thanks for the info.

But surely if it was a wishbone bush, bouncing the front end would also make the wishbone move.

And you would still get the creaky noise? To add an eg, if I have already bakced off the throttle and had the stupid creak, and then brake I dont get another! So it seems like a pitch change is what sets it off?

I am not saying you are wrong, but surely if it was linked to a wishbone you would get the creak even if you were static? Also, it doesnt matter how fast you are going, it eases when you say change into 5th, but that is because the pitch change isnt as bad is it would be going from 1st to 2nd.

All you need to do is let off the gas (weird creak) then reapply it, no mater how eggshell careful you are (creaklol)

Trebor, thanks for the info.

But surely if it was a wishbone bush, bouncing the front end would also make the wishbone move.

And you would still get the creaky noise? To add an eg, if I have already bakced off the throttle and had the stupid creak, and then brake I dont get another! So it seems like a pitch change is what sets it off?

I am not saying you are wrong, but surely if it was linked to a wishbone you would get the creak even if you were static? Also, it doesnt matter how fast you are going, it eases when you say change into 5th, but that is because the pitch change isnt as bad is it would be going from 1st to 2nd.

All you need to do is let off the gas (weird creak) then reapply it, no mater how eggshell careful you are (creaklol)

Had the same problem. Intermittent creaking over bumps. No creak when static. Could easily get the creak by lifting off throttle. It was very bizarre. I drove very slowly with foot on throttle, off throttle, on throttle, off throttle and I got a creak everytime!

But once bushes were changed, the creaking went away. It may be other bushes or the engine mounts. But get these checked out first.

defo sounds like wishbone bushes

Ok guys, many thanks/ A few second opinions are all that is needed.

I now realise it must them!!

Thanks so much

Rob

To follow on

Is there a preferred supplier for Skoda parts other than the dealer who will no doubt be prepstrously expensive?

If I need these bushes, are we lookom GSF or eurocarpart Or is there someone better who people would recommend?

To follow on

Is there a preferred supplier for Skoda parts other than the dealer who will no doubt be prepstrously expensive?

If I need these bushes, are we lookom GSF or eurocarpart Or is there someone better who people would recommend?

Get the uprated Ibiza cupra bushes from this Seat dealer Sere Motors in NI - Sere Motors

Great prices and excellent service.

I just want the basic ones really, car is only worth maybe 500 quid so pointless putting uprated stuff on it.

Just an idea on price and stuff?

Chuff me, I dont believe it! Bloody ECU warning light came on on the way home after putting in some petrol?

Car seems to run fine still, any ideas? Is this anotehr idiosyncratic Skoda thing!

Edited 3 February, 201214 yr by chunder27

I just want the basic ones really, car is only worth maybe 500 quid so pointless putting uprated stuff on it.

Just an idea on price and stuff?

Chuff me, I dont believe it! Bloody ECU warning light came on on the way home after putting in some petrol?

Car seems to run fine still, any ideas? Is this anotehr idiosyncratic Skoda thing!

They're only £18 delivered from Sere and the standard ones are £16 delivered (though the prices may have gone slightly as these are last year prices).

They're only £18 delivered from Sere and the standard ones are £16 delivered (though the prices may have gone slightly as these are last year prices).

What's the benefits of the seat Ones?

What's the benefits of the seat Ones?

The cupra ones are more solid and stiffer and less prone to fail.

I'm sure more experienced Skoda heads are highlighting a recurring and common cause of front end creaking. Before you do the bushes which would probably be a good thing anyway pop the bonnet and rock the engine backward and forward. It may give you your creak. Another thing to try is spray some washing up liquid or rubber lubricant over the engine and gearbox mount bushes and take it for a drive. If it is these bushes rather than the suspension ones creaking then you have a virtually no cost, no time, no effort fix with the rubber lubricant. Can un-creak suspension bushes too but only if they are still serviceable. If showing signs of wear change them.