Got a knocking noise on the wifes Fabia mk2 1.4 TDi since we bought it (private sale). Had a good look  underneath and can't see much wrong tbh.

 

The noise happens when changing gear or as you get on and off the power.

 

On the advice of a mechanic i have had the top gearbox mount changed, however the noise still persists. There is a bit of movement on the lower (dog bone) mount but i can't move the engine enough by hand to recreate the noise.

 

Think i am going to change the dog bone anyway as it is fairly cheap and diy job. 

 

Otherwise i am pretty stuck and could really do with some help please.

 

Thanks

 

 

 

Appreciate you may have already done this but it's worth checking the whole engine bay area for pipes and cables that may come into contact with the bulkhead area too. Next, the exhaust system and mountings, that's a favourite to make knocking noises. The noise travels along the exhaust system and manifests itself in the engine bay area making you think it's engine/gearbox mounts. Ideally, the best way to find this type of noise is to apply the handbrake firmly and with the car in gear have a friend listen and look underneath the car for the problem as you lightly rev the engine and partially drop the clutch to move the engine and gearbox, not the car. Take all usual safety precautions. Don't let anyone put their head under a wheel while you are doing this in case you drive over it. That kinda ruins everyones day! The dogbone may be a problem area, they do wear, but I doubt it will make quite such a loud noise. 

Appreciate you may have already done this but it's worth checking the whole engine bay area for pipes and cables that may come into contact with the bulkhead area too. Next, the exhaust system and mountings, that's a favourite to make knocking noises. The noise travels along the exhaust system and manifests itself in the engine bay area making you think it's engine/gearbox mounts. Ideally, the best way to find this type of noise is to apply the handbrake firmly and with the car in gear have a friend listen and look underneath the car for the problem as you lightly rev the engine and partially drop the clutch to move the engine and gearbox, not the car. Take all usual safety precautions. Don't let anyone put their head under a wheel while you are doing this in case you drive over it. That kinda ruins everyones day! The dogbone may be a problem area, they do wear, but I doubt it will make quite such a loud noise. 

Thanks for the excellent advice. I have had a check of the exhaust as this was an area i suspected but it all seems ok to me. I have got some ramps but am a bit wary of having someone do as you suggest while i lay under the car listening for noises but may have to bite the bullet and give it a go. There seems to be a bit of play where the driveshafts go into the gearbox itself but not sure it it is excessive tbh. 

 

I took a video and will try and upload it shortly to demonstrate what i mean.

 

Here you go:-

 

 

http://www.flickr.com/photos/44820677@N03/12769113514/

 

 

 

Thanks again

Edited 25 February, 201412 yr by Guest

Turns out that it is the nearside driveshaft making the noise. It is something to do with the inwards/outwards free play which can be seen in the video above.

 

Next step is to remove the driveshaft to investigate further but could potentially be gearbox/differential problem.

 

 

Not happy, it would appear i have bought a lemon. lol

Looks like the fault could lie with something called a flange shaft. 

 

From what i have seen it looks like these can be replaced without stripping the gearbox. Can anyone shed any light on if this is the case or not?

Hi rob, yes the flange shaft component can be changed with the box in situ. It just connects the drive shaft to the gearbox. Although I haven't changed one on a Fabia, it's not usually a big problem and is not too hard to do if you are a competent diy'er. I would suggest getting the workshop manual if you do not have one. 

Edited 25 February, 201412 yr by Estate Man

Hi rob, yes the flange shaft component can be changed with the box in situ. It just connects the drive shaft to the gearbox. Although I haven't changed one on a Fabia, it's not usually a big problem and is not too hard to do if you are a competent diy'er. I would suggest getting the workshop manual if you do not have one. 

Thanks for the reply Estate Man.

 

I could probably do it myself but literally do not have the time as i am starting a new job at the other end of the country on Monday. lol 

 

Need the car up and running for the missus and the kids to use while i am away during the week.

 

The garage i have used for years suspects that maybe the central conical bolt for the flange shaft could have been damaged/sheared as there is so much free play. They say that to even fit the flange shaft requires significant inwards force to compress the spring to enable the bolt to even get started on the threads inside the gearbox.

 

Its in this morning for them to remove driveshaft and investigate further.

 

If it is a gearbox out and stripdown job i may just look at gettting a used/recon gearbox but not quite sure which way to go tbh.

 

Bought plenty of cars over the years and never bought a duff one. First time for everything i guess. lol

Update

 

No problems with the flange bolt being sheared or anything so it looks like something inside the diff.

 

Waiting on a a gearbox specialist to get back to me regarding removing the box and stripping it down to investigate further. 

 

Seen a used box for £400 off a car with 47k on it. A recon box is looking like £700 ish.

 

 

Really not sure which way to go tbh. Or if i should get the clutch done while the gearbox is out. The vehicle has 92k miles on it anyway not sure how much longer the clutch will last, think its on its original one.

Yep defo get the clutch done if its the original. Sorry to hear its likely something inside the box. But it just might be the clutch cover at fault. I've seen that before causing a loud clunk going on and off power so wait and see.

Well the upshot is that the diff is buggered. 

 

 

For not much more than the cost of repairing it i can have the full gearbox reconditioned so thats what i am going with. And may as well get the clutch done whilst at it.

 

bottom line is around £1000 all in.

 

Gutted. :-((

 

 

Thanks for the advice again guys. My faith in my own car buying ability has been shaken but i still like Skodas and we have two now. lol