The N/S front end started creaking a few days ago, first I thought it was something to do with the brakes because it seemed to happen after I release the brake pedal, however it's now making the same noise when going slowly over speed humps and uneven roads etc. It doesn't seem to make any noise when you push down on the front ends with the car stationary.

Is this likely to be bushes? If so what are my options? I have heard the original Skoda bush design was rubbish (probably what I'm still using) and apparently the old design has been replaced by a cross design for extra strength? And that you can get solid bushes as well? If I have to replace them I want to have to do it the once if possible, so what is likely to be the most permanent long-lasting fix? The solid bushes? If so at what cost? Ride comfort? Road noise? Expense? Wear to other components? And are the solid bushes Skoda/oem and a straight swap with no other mods/parts required?

If the bushes are to blame and they were inherently produced with a design fault which was later superseded, what is the chance or getting Skoda to pay for some of the cost - the car is out of warranty and about 6 years old - would this be considered fair wear and tear for bushes?

Also if it is bushes, what other cheapish parts are likely to fail soon that can be replaced while the bushes are being replaced?

Does anything else need to be done if replacing the bushes? Tracking/alignment etc?

Thanks for all your help!!

Edited 22 June, 201214 yr by SkodaFabiaOwner

Does it seem to happen more when its wet? I would think either drop links or ARB bushes. Always best to get a bar and have a poke around tho.

I did all my front end bushes (ARB, Console, Lower front bushes) for £65 (parts) then a friend helped to fit them.

Funnily enough, yes it did start happening in the wet. Do you have a link to the parts for all the front end bushes please? Also is there anyone competent and experienced in Cornwall that is able to help fit them? I'm happy to drive to their place and pay a bit of cash, just obviously looking to save on garage labour costs!!

I did get the following MOT advisories last year, so it's probably best to replace all the front end bushes. Are drop links also bushes? If not do they wear and are they expensive? I might as well get them done at the same time if that's recommended.

Offside Front Lower inner Suspension arm rubber bush deteriorated but not resulting in excessive movement

Nearside Front Suspension arm rubber bush deteriorated but not resulting in excessive movement

Offside Front Suspension arm rubber bush deteriorated but not resulting in excessive movement

Edited 22 June, 201214 yr by SkodaFabiaOwner

Yep I would recommend replacing all of them. What fabia you got? vRS?

If it happens in the rain its likely to be the ARB bushes causing the noise.

Drop links are around £20 for a pair on the vRS.

vRS? I wish!! For my sins it is the 1.2 estate, 2005/54 reg...

I'm just trying to understand why these parts fail please. I'm guessing bushes deteriorate because of friction and their rubber construction?

Why do drop links fail? Aren't they just a solid metal part or are they a moving part? Just wondering what I would gain from replacing the drop links.

Thats it, they are rubber and wear over time.

Drop links have a moving joint (ball and socket) with a rubber outter which contains grease etc. The socket that holds the ball wears out causing a knocking sound when dropping off curbs for example.

Great explanation, many thanks!! Will look at getting drop links done as well then...

Also do you know exactly what tracking/allignment etc needs to be done after all this work (if any)?

Cheers...

Edited 22 June, 201214 yr by SkodaFabiaOwner

Some would argue yes but I didnt on mine