I have an 08 Octavia 1.9TDI with just over 42k on clock. About 3 weeks ago, I noticed a strange low pitched noise at around 30mph.(Almost a buzzing/vibration similar to when your'e on abrasive road surface) Took it to my local non Skoda mechanic who thought might be wheel bearing. After having it up on ramp was advised to let it develop as there was no obvious signs. After a 500 mile round trip involving motorways I soon realised the problem was much, much worse at 60-75mph. Ever since it has been just at those speeds, little else wrong at others.

Mechanic changed wheels round and again said no sign of wheel bearing so went to Skoda dealer for 2nd opinion. After half hour and after consulting "senior technician" their suspicions were a bearing within the gearbox. To rectify would need to fully dismantle. After a week of thought I have decided to book it into the dealer who has quoted £2.5k as a worst case scenario involving a complete new box and around £1.1-1.3k for a strip down, diagnose and repair. I have voiced concern that what would happen after a strip down they discovered no fault. The response was something along the lines of 'we don't anticipate that to be the case sir, we are pretty confident where the fault is'.

I have had the usual dealer blab about this is a new problem for us but look on line (including here) and others have described faults particularly with alleged faulty rivets around the casing area.

With advice from the dealer, I aim to start a case to take to Skoda asking for assistance as I don't believe this should happen with a well maintained, fully serviced car with relatively low mileage.

It is due to go into the garage beginning of next week (05/11) - I cannot believe it needs a new gearbox as in the main, it is fine at other speeds however yesterday i thought it started to sound a bit rougher than usual. Mind you to be honest I think I'm starting to drive myself mad and reading maybe too much into things.

Be pleased to hear of any similar experiences and how it was rectified, costs etc.

Otherwise the car has been faultless in the near 3 years I have owned it.

Have a look at the inside edge of your rear tyres. If they are wearing unevenly I would say you have found the problem. It is very common with Octavias and it basically sounds like a "drone"

The car my need a full geometry set up. Do a search,it is a very commonly discussed problem on this site.

Best of luck with it.

Mine does the same, gearbox never crossed my mind, bearing were checked and told nothing wrong. To me it sounded like a hole in the exhaust but as you say it only happens at certain speed and it would be all the time if it was that. Will get wheels checked first before I get a gearbox!

Edited 27 October, 201213 yr by mole

Have a look at the inside edge of your rear tyres. If they are wearing unevenly I would say you have found the problem. It is very common with Octavias and it basically sounds like a "drone"

The car my need a full geometry set up. Do a search,it is a very commonly discussed problem on this site.

Best of luck with it.

+1

Most likely sawtooth rear tyres - lots of threads on the subject on here. Fix is a proper 4 wheel geometry check and replace the affected tyres.

Thanks guys, I pretty much con eliminate the tyre theory as we looked at this quite early on. After putting the old fronts to the back and a brand new set to the front made no difference. The mechanic did say about the uneven tyre wear can make a noise but this has developed into a much louder distorted buzzing noise which gets bad as I say from 60mph but goes away after 80mph. It is much quieter but still the same noise circa 30 mph.

Alas I fear it is drive related as is influenced by putting more foot on the accelerator and goes away when dipping the clutch.

The cynic in me says Skoda would go for the gearbox route as that is the most costly to do, but they are "70% sure its the gearbox"

I just read your thread and i would, if i were you get the geometry checked, again. A lot cheaper than any other theory you have come up with.

I would love to think it was just that. To be honest I would kind of hope a reputable main dealer would have suggested this. The noise I have mentioned is really rather loud and always at exactly the same speed. Again it gets worse as you accelerate and goes away with dip of clutch. So I can't see how this can be anything to do with wheel geometry.

Believe me, my bank account would be much better if it were!

I will update as and when and thank everyone for their input so far. Hopefully when I speak to Skoda next week I can get a sympathetic ear.