Was driving to work today and all of a sudden i got a VERY Very loud noise - i can only describe it as akin to standing on the other side of a brick wall when someone is using a hammer drill - only in the metallic end of the frequency range if you know what i mean. Only last for less than a second but is very concerning.

 

I've had it a couple of times now but put it off as my undertray/sump guard vibrating against something but its was a lot louder today.

 

Anyone got any ideas?

 

Skoda Octavia 1.9TDi 4x4

 

Thanks all

Was it during braking or accelerating or cruising or idling?

During cruise, not speed related.

 

Dropped the clutch the noise is that quick i couldn't tell if it any any difference.

 

Doesn't happen at idle at all.

Check exhaust mounts.  Last time I had a noise like that in a car, it was because the exhaust had come adrift at one point, and was managing to lean against something solid occasionally.

Initially thought it must be a wheel bearing dying a dramatic and sudden death, but then it came and went a bit, especially over bumps so I ruled that out.  Angle of tailpipe was 'off' when I looked at the end of the (short) journey, and waggling it produced a lot of movement that ended in a big 'clang' one way.

Ah!! I didn't even think of that one, the noise happened once on the way to work this morning for a very brief second. It seemed to me to be coming from the front passenger side, although i may be wrong.

 

But definitely the front of the car!

 

Daft question probably (as I haven't looked under the car) where does the exhaust run from? ie which side of the engine?

 

I've also just had the front drive shafts replaced a couple of months ago and the sound seems to have manifested itself shortly after that.

 

Could be my imagination but is there under there that could be occasionally catching them?