yup it;s true my car has started groaning!

It only seems to do it when I turn left or bump down the kerb when i'm reversing off the driveway. It sounds like a creaky floorboard and was wondering if anyone might have an idea as to what it could be?

Its possible you have a broken spring or the bearing on the top of the strut assembly may have collapsed, jack the car up on one side at a time and check the spring and if necessary get someone to turn the steering from side to side and listen for creaking if the spring is not broken but the unit is creaking then its the top unit and it can be got from any motor factors at around £30 (please put an axle stand under the car for safety) also check the rubber boot on the CV joints if they are busted then the CV may be doing the groning

The B5.5 does not have strut suspension so the springs do not turn with the steering. Look at all the ball joints - more on this car than almost any other, then see if the inboard bushes are breaking up.

rotodiesel.

on a related - but different issue - I occasionally get a loud metallic 'groan' when getting in or out of the car (no, it's not me groaning!). This has happened when someone has got in front or back and on either side. It's a short sound and clearly caused by the car 'settling' with the extra weight. But only does it sometimes and is so short and unpredictable that I can't trace where it's coming from. But it's more noticeable from outside than inside and is really annoying. Has done it for a while and passed 2 MOTs with no advisories since it started.

Any ideas? Does it need some judicious use of lube somewhere?

cheers

Edited 3 May, 201214 yr by sidewaze samm

If the sound comes from rear of car, it's likely to be caused by brake pad over rear brake discs.

3 solutions:

1) pull hand brake lever harder when parking so rear brakes are firmly locked, or

2) release brake lever completely and just leave car parked in gear, or

3) change brake pads for softer/less squeeky ones

Some brake pads are more prone to this than others, kevlar is notorious for squeaks etc. but then it does not fade and offers 30%+ more friction when warm...

Always apply the footbrake before the handbrake and also apply the footbrake when releasing the handbrake.

The mechanical system within the rear calipers gives a very high mechanical leverage and hydraulic assistance takes the load off the mechanism.

rotodiesel.

well i may have the cause of the groaning. I forgot to mention that the noise only really started after I had the sump replaced (which required the engine to be lifted to do this job).

Now a mechanic took the car out for a spin to trace the noise and he thinks it's where the engine connects to the cars fixing mounts. He said it sounds like there's no grease to stop the 2 parts grinding and it might have happened when the Skoda mechanic lowered the engine into place (he may have forgotten to grease the mounts).

Now I have explained this to the Skoda garage that did the sump work (Wings of Peterborough) and they said they'll inspect it but if it's not anything to do with the wrok thwy carried out they wil charger me 1/2 hours labour + vat.

The thing is, if they claim it's not as a result of the work they carried out, how do I know that is the case?

THe sump job they did was a classic - they told me that the time i was quoted to do the job was out by 2 1/2 hours as they haven't done a sump change on a superb mk1 before! They didn't charge me for the extra labour though as it was their mistake.

So, i suppose what i'm looking for is any guidance or advice when I take the car in this Friday.

Any ideas??

I thought the book times were usually a bit on the high side (I could do all 4 parking sensors on my car in the time allocated for one), so to have spent 2.5hrs extra on it they either spent a lot of time scratching their heads, or refitting stuff they shouldn't have removed...

The dealership I use seem pretty good around the Superb, but I can't help think sometimes that in general they don't get many Mk1 Superbs through their doors (and it is going to be less and less as these cars get older)... so the experience will dry up. As soon as the Skoda Approved warranty is out I think I'll be going indy.

yup it;s true my car has started groaning!

It only seems to do it when I turn left or bump down the kerb when i'm reversing off the driveway. It sounds like a creaky floorboard and was wondering if anyone might have an idea as to what it could be?

I had exactly the same noise recentley. Mine was one the top suspension bushes. There are two top arms with a ball joint at one end and a bush at the other. I could replicate the noise by rocking/rotating the offending arm. If it is - get both replaced whilst you are at it.

Edited 2 May, 201214 yr by bigjohn