Disclaimer: I'm not mechanically minded!

 

Over the last 3 years whenever there had been loud creaking and groaning from the front of my Octy Scout the problem had nearly always been to do with the OSF droplink - now on my fourth one. 

 

Prior to putting my vehicle through its MOT last month the creaking and groaning had returned. Extremely quiet driving straight ahead, and fine over bumps, but turn the steering wheel in either direction and it sounds like Boris Karloff getting out of his crypt. Mot tester believed it was down to dried bushes. Thing is its not always happening. It can go days without making a sound, and then it returns with a vengeance. 

 

As it only happens when I turn the wheel, could that indicate a steering component issue rather than dried bushes?

 

Vehicle is booked in for Cambelt and Waterpump change, so I'll get them to look at it whilst it is in, I just don't want them to rip me off by replacing componentry unnecessarily. 

 

Many thanks in advance, your patience is appreciated. 

Well, after cutting a path through the swathes of responses to this post, the car is currently at the dealers to have the Cambelt & Waterpump changed. I've taken my life in my hand and asked them to have a guess what they think it is. 

 

I'm not holding out much hope as they have informed me they are still awaiting the delivery of the waterpump , even though I made this booking over a month ago. 

 

And this after they originally quoted £589 which they stated was the 'official price quoted on the Skoda website' - they reduced the price to £489 after I told them that is the price I saw quoted on the Skoda website. 

 

Skoda. Not So Clever. 

The creaking noise was put down to the recently fitted NSF top mount having failed, which was replaced under warranty. It failed less than 24 hours after being fitted. 

 

This is the second replacement component I've had fitted by Skoda to fail within 24 hours. Four years ago the waterpump failed the day after I had it and the cambelt replaced. Both of which I had replaced yesterday, so fingers crossed!

 

 

Hopefully the final update to this thread. 

 

As stated previously, the dealer replaced the NSF bearing top mount which they stated had failed - less rhab 24 hours after being fitted. To my ears the replacement made no notable difference. The creak and groaning was still there. 

 

During the complimentary Skoda VHC, they highlighted both wishbone bushes were perished. These have now been replaced, and hallelujah, everything is as it should be. No creaks , or groans, apart from me every time I get in and out of the car. 

 

They replaced the NSF droplink at the same time and even included it in the original price. I think that 'gesture' had more to do with the fact they gave that particular component a clean bill of health when I asked them to specifically check it out a few weeks prior. 

 

Until the next update...... 

 

 

Hi. 

I’ve recently purchased a 2009 Octavia 1.8 TSI and have been facing a similar issue prior to purchase as well. But noone here could diagnose it correctly. Got most of the suspension components changed. Then came across this thread. 

Have shot a video with the issue since it goes and comes, with a mind of its own. 

If you could take a look at the video and see if the sound was similar to yours? It only comes at standstill or parking speeds but not everytime. 

 

Thanks and regards  

 

Your noise sounds different. The noise I hear when you turn the wheel is similar to if I was stationary and turning the wheel, which would just be the sound of the tyres rubbing on the ground. 

 

The noise my vehicle made was a loud creaking and groaning and happened over rough ground and potholes. 

9 minutes ago, Fin69 said:

Your noise sounds different. The noise I hear when you turn the wheel is similar to if I was stationary and turning the wheel, which would just be the sound of the tyres rubbing on the ground. 

 

The noise my vehicle made was a loud creaking and groaning and happened over rough ground and potholes. 

Oh. The noise im getting is happenig over all surfaces though, but sometimes it isn’t there at all. Sometimes its there, irrespective of the amount driven. 

 

Having no difference in steering feel, when the sound comes on, or any other extra rattles. 

Any other issue that could cause this sound?

On 08/08/2018 at 14:51, papasierragolf said:

Oh. The noise im getting is happenig over all surfaces though, but sometimes it isn’t there at all. Sometimes its there, irrespective of the amount driven. 

 

Having no difference in steering feel, when the sound comes on, or any other extra rattles. 

Any other issue that could cause this sound?

 

Update to my previous post. 

Upon opening up the front struts, I noticed 10 years of wear and tear on the shocks, strut mounts, which had almost dried up. The LHS front strut had almost lost its damping ability. The previous owner happened to miss these, and this perhaps, put more pressure on the EPS unit, leading to the grinding noise. 

Have got the front struts replaced with SACHS touring struts. The noise has come down, but I guess the steering unit had been under a lot of pressure, since that noise is still there.