Hi there. I have a 2006 (55 plate) Octavia II 1.9 TDI Estate.

 

I run a PA company and have a tendency to load it up pretty heavy with equipment and people. Saving up for a trailer, but money is tight in the music industry these days.

 

Recently I have noticed that I get a hard bump and clunk from the rear left side when on slightly rougher road surfaces and heavier loads. This last happened with 4 people in the car and not much gear in the boot (I'd estimate about 350kg, pretty evenly loaded). I don't know much about cars in particular but I'm fairly mechanically minded and to me it feels like the suspension is bottoming out. Is this likely and does it indicate a serious issue?

 

No other symptoms besides the noise. No pull to the left or right, no visible drop in height on any wheel arches, and the car feels smooth when not heavily loaded. I don't drive fast with loads. It does feel to me like it is happening more regularly though.

 

What parts and tests are involved and is suspension something i could possibly take on my self? I have ramps and tools etc, but money is very tight at the moment so I'd like to explore my options, and do as much as i can my self before handing over my life's savings to a garage.....again!

 

Thanks for your time!

 

Greg

Check the bump stops on the rear suspension as they fall apart after a while. There should be a plastic sleeve covering the suspension rod which is usually held in place by the bump stop.... If it's not there then it means the cover has dropped behind the wheel and the bump stop has most likely deteriorated.

Also worth checking the shocks as they may be worn. If you are carrying heavy loads on a regular basis it might be worth upgrading to some heavy duty springs and shocks.