Hi,

 

I've got a 2006 fabia 1.4 PD engined diesel with 89000 miles on it. I acquired the car at 67000 and it appeared to have been serviced regularly and I've continued to change the oil and filter annually at about 7000 mile intervals. In the last 1000 miles it's developed a distinct chain rattle at start up for about 10 seconds which then quietens down to the odd tinkle - worse after a cold evening. Having read a fair bit about owners issues with these engines I suspect it's the balance shaft / oil pump drive chain / tensioner issue. I have no other issues with the car other than it now being a bit small with 2 child seats in the back. As I see it I have a few options:-

1. Wait and see what happens - if it fails the car is barely worth repairing.

2. Sell it quick- probably not privately as I don't want to pass the problem onto anyone else. It's going to need tyres and disks soon so I'd need to make that decision soon.

3. Investigate what a repair would cost.

 

Is this a recognised fault within Skoda and is there an approved resolution (upgraded chain and tensioner that doesn't fail for example)? Failing that is there an un-approved solution?

 

Any advise would be greatly appreciated. I like to have a good listen to my car's engine at startup and it seems a shame to just wait for it to fail knowing that there is a problem developing.

 

Thanks All

 

New chains and tensioners  changed might not cost that much, phone around for quotes. Possibly £700? Worth it if rest of car is good.

@Steve_Skoda - I agree with xman; I'd rather spend out its value on an otherwise good car than spend a grand or so on buying someone else's problems.

Hi,

 

Thanks for the replies. The chain clatter has got a little worse over the last few days so I'm trying to impose a ban on my wife driving the car.

 

It looks like the parts can be acquired for about £100 but the job is timing belt off plus a bit more so not something I'm going to do on the driveway with 2 children under 2 trying to help. I'll ring for some quotes.

 

The timing belt was changed at 60K by previous owner. As the belt has to come off for oil pump drive chain replacement, would people recommend I just have the time belt replaced too. It's a little early at 90K but shouldn't add that much to the job and I can't see myself doing another 60K in this car so I won't need to do it again.

 

I almost wish I'd got the 1.9 tdi. Only went for the 1.4 for the extra mpg!

@Steve_Skoda - I'd replace the timing belt itself for sure when it's being de-tensioned. It may be worth doing the full belt kit because we're at the point where labour costs more than parts.

Thanks. That was exactly my thoughts. It may only be half way through the service life but if you're paying all that money to take it off, it may as well be a new part that goes back on.

Thanks for the opinion.

Hi Steve, just read your posts. Just bought a 1.4 TDI myself so curious to know what you did in the end, also what it costed if you don't mind, thanks