Hi,

in the last month or two my Octavia (V)RS has developed a consistent and reproducible thud when I reverse. As an example, if I drive towards forward towards the kerb to parallel park (there is enough space that I don't need need to initially reverse into a my parallel par) but after coming to a stop reverse back to straight up and position the car, after 3-5 metres of reversing I get a noticeable thud coming from what may be the drive train.

I do plan to take it in for a service in the next few weeks but thought I would ask if anything has had something similar or if this is a common issue so I know what to expect when I take it to the mechanic.

Thanks

I used to get a knock from I think was front brake pads. They were fairly worn and I think were binding/moving slightly. Fine when going forward but in reverse seemed to catch then clunk and move slightly. Seems to have gone now that I replaced them including new discs

Yes, brake pads can do that as they move in the carrrier with the change in direction. Mine on the Golf R do that on the rear. Annoying, but in my case nothing to worry about. This is with new Bosch pads as well and the old genuine items did it too.

You should confirm what the noise is. Easiest way probably in a sparsely populated car park or drive get some one else to drive forward and back like when your reverse parking and be close to the front and rear wheels, you may be able to see them moving slightly or take wheel off and get some one to hold the brake pedal and try to rotate the hub. May need to put the wheel back on to get purchase.

Other possibilities I suppose would be drive shafts, drop links, steering rack, tie rod ends....

It could also be front spring or perhaps top mount. Had a small section broken/missing of front spring at top so it caught and clonked when turning wheel to full lock. Difficult to see on car and didnt seem to cause any other problems.

Alasdair