Opening the windows of my recently bought Skoda Octavia Scout (2015, six speed manual, 23,000 miles) about 6 weeks ago, I noticed a “sound” when changing gear.  The sound doesn’t occur every time I change gear.  When it does occur, it’s a very slight clunk.  When a mechanic friend drove it he said it sounded more like a very slight back-lash noise when changing up from 2nd to 3rd or 3rd to 4th (you hear it as you engage the clutch and disengage the clutch).  I took the car to a garage who drained some oil out and told me they “found the oil contaminated with metal swarf/debris and very dark in colour”.  I had asked them to make sure they kept a sample but they didn’t.  My next step was to take it up to Hardy’s in Leatherhead  -gearbox specialists.  They seemed very surprised due to the low mileage: 23,000 on the clock.  They put it on a ramp and tested for any play – couldn’t find anything wrong.  They then replaced the gearbox oil. (The oil they drained out was not dark black nor did it have swarf/ debris within it….)

 

I’ve only driven the car for about 10 minutes since the gear box oil change but the gears feel much freer and (so far) only perhaps a very slight click changing gear but I’ve not heard the same sound as before the oil change.  I'd be interested to know if anyone has encountered any problems similar to this or has any suggestions as to what it might be.., if it’s not related to the gears.  I have one week left on my 3^rdparty warranty!

Best take out a further warranty while you have no 'known issues' after you check the T&C's on coverage for gearbox failure and maximum claim.

Maybe a Skoda Warranty.

 

Not related but relevant to warranties. 

Has the Haldex been serviced to the Manufacturers Recommendations (guidelines but not schedule.)

ie @ 3 years old.  Or sooner or by now?

yes - that went through my mind, good idea - thank you