For last few days I could hear creaking running engine noise on the right side of the engine (right side when standing in front of the car). Tried to trace the noise level and it appeared to be highest in the front left wheel area, behind the wheel cover. 

Nothing wheel related, but just engine. It is not related to the water pump/timing belt. Sometimes is higher sometimes lower noise level. Today, I was parked downhill when noise went high, but after I went back to the flat road level is much lower, but still could be heard. 

 

I have recorded a video with the suspicious noise. 

Has anyone expirienced this before? Any advice?

 

Skoda Octavia 2011, 1.6 TDI, 140.000 KM.

 

Thanks in advance!

 

 

 

I forgot to add that engine is running stable, acceleration/power is normal, no errors in diagnostics, everything is working as before except that noise. 

A loose component rattling or dry clutch release bearing, failing DMF...

 

Difficult to diagnose via internet, does depressing the clutch pedal affect the sound?  I don't mean calling it fat and unattractive!

My mistake, forgot to add in the post, it has an automatic gearbox, DSG7.

 

Skoda Octavia II, 2011, 1.6 TDI, 105HP, DSG7 automatic. 

Today, noise increased a lot while idling, I tried to reach to the service shop but on my way I got an error  - spanner icon in gear number section on display - D1, D2... spanner icon. I checked with diagnostic it says "it couldn't engage third gear". 

 

After discussing locally, it looks like it is a flywheel. Im waiting for official Skoda service shop to confirm the time and do diagnostic, but all looks like that. 

Unfortunately, it might be very expensive repair here in Norway. Unsure about the investment repairing it. Sadly, car had only that issue, everything else L&K equipment, low milage... doesnt allow me to dump it just like that. 

So just want to add some more info for the future reference and users that might have the same issue. 

After dismantling the gearbox, it was observed that flywheel doesn't have much more (a bit more) movement compared to the new flywheel. 

 

However, doing detailed inspection, it was discovered that needle bearing inside the flywheel is totally worn out, and once flywheel was pulled out, bearing fell a part totally. 
Attached are the pictures. And this would explain the noise from the beginning, mechanical bearing squeaking noise.

Part is ordered, and will be replaced and then everything to be assembled again. Flywheel will be changed when everything is opened already even it might not be required.
I hope everything else will work as there were no other issues observed.  

I hope this might be a good guideline for others that might have similar issue.