I've just picked up a 2001 4x4 1.8t estate (46k).

The car makes a strange rubbing noise from the front driver's side. It's constant and most noticeable at 30-50mph, esp under slight load (never noticed it during test drives as you don't notice it when talking/air con going etc). The faster you go the less you hear it (road noise takes over!) It sounds like a metal/metal rubbing once very revolution (quiet-loud-quiet-lout etc) but the rate of this noise is much slower that the RPM of the transmission/wheels!?

I've been told by the dealer I got it from that it's rust/dust in the brake system (specifically the rear brakes, but the sound is coming from the front driver's side). I've have the car on jacks and had a look, but can't see anything rubbing (cleaned out all the rust etc while I was there).

Also, when you brake or lift the hand brake when driving the volume/pitch of the sound stays constant.

It's going back to him for another look but I know he'll just fob it off.

Does the sound alter when you steer (ie. Is it worse turning left than it is turniong right?). If it is, it might be a wheel bearing gone.

Nope, stays the same. A wheel bearing was at the top of my list as well.

My guess is either a warped rear disc or a bent hub.

Cheers.

I'll give the rear a look just in case.

I found this thread and it sounds just the same...

http://www.briskoda.net/forums/fabia/strange-noise-when-doing-30-50-a/86683/

Ok, car sent back to the guy I bought it from (independent s/h dealer)

He sent the car to the local Skoda dealer and the faffed about with it for three days and couldn't fix the problem. They actually replaced the discs and pads, but that wasn't the problem! They were pretty useless according to the guy I bought the car from. He took it to an independent garage he uses, they found the problem in about 15 mins and had it fixed 5 mins later... a rusty prop shaft bearing that needed a bit of grease!

Ah well, got a free set of brakes out of it! Just feel a bit sorry from the guy I got the car off in the first place, he had to pay for the brakes that weren't even needed. Good dealer...

Brilliant result!

Now you can get on with enjoying a tremendous car!

Remap?