So, I have had the car for a couple of weeks now, and it has been quiet and smooth, until today.

I had got home after a 20 minute trip back down the motorway, turned into my road, and put it into third for the 25mph drive to my house, and there was suddenly a loudish rubbing noise from underneath the front of the car. So, I eased off a little and changed down, and the noise disappeared. I then sped up and changed back to third, and the noise came back again. I stopped the car, and looked underneath, but everything (undertray) seemed to be in place, and there was nothing fouling the wheels.

Could this be the start of DMF problems - something which I have become paranoid about since reading about them.

Just giving this a quick bump, because I am really worried about the car now.

Curious as to what roads have a 25 mph speed limit or are you just a cautious driver?

Cant imagine the clutch is slipping either try pulling away in third to see if you car pulls away its not the clutch slipping

Edited 19 April, 201214 yr by abarth_1200

Curious as to what roads have a 25 mph speed limit or are you just a cautious driver?

Cant imagine the clutch is slipping either try pulling away in third to see if you car pulls away its not the clutch slipping

No, built up residential street, cars parked both sides, and I would have gone down at 30, but the loud noise knind of put me off.

Anyway, took it out tonight and returned 10 minutes later. I didn't get over 40mph because the car started growling loudly at me - lots of noise, when I accelerated gently up the hill on the main road - I eased off and it stopped - accelerated again in 4th and it started again.

I have done nearly 700 miles in the car, and it hasn't made any noise - been very quiet actually, quieter than I would have imagined a diesel to be. I have had quite a few cars in the past, and would not call myself a "slow" driver, but I do have some sense of "mechanical sympathy" (I have rebuilt cylinder heads and the like), and I have not heard anything like this before.

The sound is definitely happening when the engine is under any kind of load.

There is a bit of vibration through the clutch pedal when I am driving - do not ride the clutch but tried depressing it a few times on the move.

Help!

Andy

Edited 19 April, 201214 yr by andyoctavia

So, I have had the car for a couple of weeks now, and it has been quiet and smooth, until today.

I had got home after a 20 minute trip back down the motorway, turned into my road, and put it into third for the 25mph drive to my house, and there was suddenly a loudish rubbing noise from underneath the front of the car. So, I eased off a little and changed down, and the noise disappeared. I then sped up and changed back to third, and the noise came back again. I stopped the car, and looked underneath, but everything (undertray) seemed to be in place, and there was nothing fouling the wheels.

Could this be the start of DMF problems - something which I have become paranoid about since reading about them.

The short simple answer is...

Take it back to the dealer, let them worry about it, its only a couple of weeks old !

turbo?

Have you tried building up speed and then dip the clutch and hearing if the noise is still there?

Is there any juddering when you take up drive and engine shake when accelerating?

Hope you sort it out.Keep us posted

The short simple answer is...

Take it back to the dealer, let them worry about it, its only a couple of weeks old !

Cheers, unfortunately it was a private sale, and did not exhibit any of these symptoms when I test drove it, or during the 700 miles which I have done in it.

Andy

Have you tried building up speed and then dip the clutch and hearing if the noise is still there?

Is there any juddering when you take up drive and engine shake when accelerating?

Hope you sort it out.Keep us posted

There is a bit of judder when you pull away, but no noises to speak of when you are on the move, apart from a definite vibration/oscillation feeling which I noticed last night, when you depress the clutch pedal to change gear.

No engine shake, very smooth until I try to accelerate under load (even up a slight hill), and not confined to any particular gear.

Andy

Ps. I had the cambelt and water pump changed last week, but that couldn't be the problem could it - timing related. It was done by a mechanic I know (ex VAG) using genuine parts, and he is used to working on these vehicles.

It could well be...

Has your mpg fallen through the floor aswel?

dying dmf perhaps...

Was the roads wet by any chance?

It could well be...

Has your mpg fallen through the floor aswel?

I haven't driven it since the problem made itself obvious, but my first tankful produced around 52mpg, and the range was around 550 miles, which I thought was pretty good for mixed driving.

Andy

dying dmf perhaps...

My mechanic is coming over later on, and we both think that it could be unfortunately. However looking on the bright side, if he has to replace it with a SMF then the car should be OK for a long time.

Andy

Was the roads wet by any chance?

Why?

Well was it? or raining heavily??

Well was it? or raining heavily??

No, the roads were pretty dry.

The mechanic has been, and it seems that the DMF is on the way out. There is a knocking sound when you lift the bonnet when the engine is warm, not all the time, and there was vibration on acceleration.

I am on the verge of ordering a SMF kit from Darkside Developments for £390 (fkywheel, clutch etc.) and then having it fitted independently.

What engine? Age? Mileage? Trim? Etc.

What engine? Age? Mileage? Trim? Etc.

1.9TDi PD Classic 5door with the 105bhp engine - 2005 (55 reg) - 91K miles.

I suspect the DMF too.I would convert to SMF and you will be very pleased with the results.

Let us know how you get on.

I suspect the DMF too.I would convert to SMF and you will be very pleased with the results.

Let us know how you get on.

Cheers, I have ordered the assembly, and Darkside have said it should be with me on Tuesday morning. I am just keeping my fingers crossed, that when this done, I don't have to spend any more dosh on it for a while.

Andy

Hopefully should all be good after. A lot of us on here have had it done and are happy with the results and the fact that the dreaded DMF has gone.

Hopefully should all be good after. A lot of us on here have had it done and are happy with the results and the fact that the dreaded DMF has gone.

Don't the car manufacturers make you sick when they do this kind of thing - introduce something which is obviously not fit for purpose. I have a twelve year old Mondeo, which the previous car and this Octavia were meant to replace. Truth is, the old Mondy has 130K under its belt, and is as quiet now as when I bought it back in 2005. It has been all over Europe, but is a bit thirsty (only 40mpg on a run) compared to cars like the Octavia.

I do hope that this is the end of my problems.

Andy