Skoda woes

bear1

I've a really weird issue with my 2016 Octavia 1.8tsi.
It has recently started to develop a weird knocking sensation while driving which disappears (from what I can hear) when at speed.
Happens only a low speeds for now.
Just brought it to Skoda to have it diagnosed and for the past 2 days they have not been able to determine what the cause could be.
They at best were able to suggest power steering pump mechanism is failing and as this car has electrical power steering then the entire steering rack would have to be changed which is a fortune in cost without a guarantee.
The whole suspension was checked and they said everything was perfect which is normal as it was fully repaired last year.
Anyone ever encountered such an issue?

AMKC

That's terrible. Hope you get it sorted whatever it is.

advertsfox

bear1 wrote: »

The whole suspension was checked and they said everything was perfect which is normal as it was fully repaired last year.

What happened last year that would have required it to be fully repaired when it's only turned 5 years old.

0lddog

Any of the 'steering knocking' threads for Octavias up on Briskoda.net look similar to your issue ?

sumo12

Does is happen when turning? Rough ground? Accelerating or braking? Wet or dry conditions?

Turbohymac

I think the op needs to give much more clarity on why to whole suspension was repaired/replaced last year as this sounds like a car that was possibly crashed and not properly repaired..
This seems to be supported further by the skoda garage now identifying that the electric power steering rack needs replacement ..regardless of the high price of replacing this rack.i doubt the steering racks just pack up in a 5 year old car..
Where I currently work I have replaced a few electric steering racks in ford transit connect vans.but in both cases they had made holes in ditches.
As with the previous poster the op needs to give more details and history of this unfortunate skoda..those electric steering racks have their own built in ECU module etc and wouldn't put up with the abuse that a standard rack with an external oil pump would endure.

bear1

I was writing that in a hurry last night so left some details out.
When I say whole suspension I meant, track rods ends, stabilizer, bushings.
Wishbones etc no.
To me the sound is like shock absorber failure but it's not bouncing around and it's quite planted on the road.
Car is an ex lease car that was owned by a bank and has an extensive service history with Skoda.

bear1

sumo12 wrote: »

Does is happen when turning? Rough ground? Accelerating or braking? Wet or dry conditions?

Turning say from a low speed.
If I start the car in the morning and turn the wheels to leave then it "growls" in a way.
Acceleration or braking it's quite.
Noticed that in the extreme cold it's quieter and when warmer outside it's louder.

Turbohymac

Ok op.then the whole suspension wasn't replaced only a few normal wearing parts..I'm surprised that the skoda garage couldn't identify if it was a tie rod or a strut..in any instance they have found that the steering rack needs replacement so is it possible that all your problems are rack related..
Also depending on the mileage its quite possible that a front strut has failed but it's baffling that the garage hasn't picked this up.it would be worth also getting the garage to give u a printout of the cars service and repair history from the skoda website.

Isambard

can the garage hear the noise? Sometimes a noise gets worse in your imagination and isn't really there or is quite minor..

bear1

Turbohymac wrote: »

Ok op.then the whole suspension wasn't replaced only a few normal wearing parts..I'm surprised that the skoda garage couldn't identify if it was a tie rod or a strut..in any instance they have found that the steering rack needs replacement so is it possible that all your problems are rack related..
Also depending on the mileage its quite possible that a front strut has failed but it's baffling that the garage hasn't picked this up.it would be worth also getting the garage to give u a printout of the cars service and repair history from the skoda website.

I have the entire print out of the service, so I know exactly what was done, the cost and when.
The steering in the Octavia is electrical so everything is connected to a motor within the rack.
You can't simply replace the steering pum without replacing the entire rack - so I've been told.
Hence the astronomical price.
They aren't even certain it's the issue so not a hope am I repairing something that can't be diagnosed.

bear1

Isambard wrote: »

can the garage hear the noise? Sometimes a noise gets worse in your imagination and isn't really there or is quite minor..

They did and then it disappeared for them.
They had 5 of their mechanics (This is a Skoda dealer now) drive, listen and diganose the car and non of them could give a definitive answer.
The rack isn't leaking, there are no splits.. nothing.
But the best they could deduce was that the electric motor within the rack is failing.
Now today, I went quickly to the shops and could sense a burning smell in the cabin after a minute or so of driving..

Isambard

nothing worse than replacing things in the hope of fixing the issue. Burning smell worrying, but I'm guessing that would be something electrical so you may be on the right track.

Turbohymac

Hi op. Yes I'm absolutely well aware that the electronic steering rack on your skoda doesn't have an external oil pump..
I was clearly making a point that these racks are quite delicate and won't put up with the abuse that an standard hydraulic rack with an external oil pump would..
You even go on to say that your rack isn't yet leaking any oil..well that's because there isn't any oil in your cars power steering system..its a hefty DC motor turning the pinion directly that moves the rack..in simples it would be like fitting a motor under the steering wheel of an old car that wouldn't have had power steering..
Moving forward I think you're left with little choice now but to replace that electronic rack and then see if your suspension noise still exists..
If the motor for your steering gives out completely it will simply revert to non power assist steering and will be very difficult to turn when stopped or parking up.. also your car possibly has high mileage ..

bear1

Turbohymac wrote: »

Hi op. Yes I'm absolutely well aware that the electronic steering rack on your skoda doesn't have an external oil pump..
I was clearly making a point that these racks are quite delicate and won't put up with the abuse that an standard hydraulic rack with an external oil pump would..
You even go on to say that your rack isn't yet leaking any oil..well that's because there isn't any oil in your cars power steering system..its a hefty DC motor turning the pinion directly that moves the rack..in simples it would be like fitting a motor under the steering wheel of an old car that wouldn't have had power steering..
Moving forward I think you're left with little choice now but to replace that electronic rack and then see if your suspension noise still exists..
If the motor for your steering gives out completely it will simply revert to non power assist steering and will be very difficult to turn when stopped or parking up.. also your car possibly has high mileage ..

It has 160k km so not high at all.
As for repairing, not a chance will I take such a risk in replacing a part which can't be diagnosed fully.
It will need to be investigated further.
Btw, I wasn't suggesting that there was an external oil pump.
I'm simply saying what I was told, literally bone dry with nothing pointing to any other failure.
Only the motor which again can't be fully certain.

Turbohymac

Well op the steering motor would clearly show up as failing /increased DC power etc by the garage running a diagnostic check..its your choice/your money but unless you plan in selling on this car very shortly you will need at some stage to replace that steering unit.as for the suspension noise it could be a list of issues .but if 4or5 skoda mechanics can't hear or find it then all you can do is sit tight and see if it's gets worse..
You haven't had the car from new and its quite possible that its met a few potholes and high kerbs that could have upset the steering..
I'm sure apart from the motor on the steering rack getting weak/burnt out
The skoda garage are happy that your car is perfectly roadworthy after they have thoroughly examined it..
Id drive on for the moment but yes that pricey motor will need replacing or else you'll have motor failure and a few warning lights on in your dash

lab man

bear1 wrote: »

I've a really weird issue with my 2016 Octavia 1.8tsi.
It has recently started to develop a weird knocking sensation while driving which disappears (from what I can hear) when at speed.
Happens only a low speeds for now.
Just brought it to Skoda to have it diagnosed and for the past 2 days they have not been able to determine what the cause could be.
They at best were able to suggest power steering pump mechanism is failing and as this car has electrical power steering then the entire steering rack would have to be changed which is a fortune in cost without a guarantee.
The whole suspension was checked and they said everything was perfect which is normal as it was fully repaired last year.
Anyone ever encountered such an issue?

Have you checked the tyres I'd a car here once an had similar problem twas a tyre that a weak spot in the middle of the tyre that a bubble had came in the middle of the tyre causing vibration and slight knocking while driving .

bear1

Turbohymac wrote: »

Well op the steering motor would clearly show up as failing /increased DC power etc by the garage running a diagnostic check..its your choice/your money but unless you plan in selling on this car very shortly you will need at some stage to replace that steering unit.as for the suspension noise it could be a list of issues .but if 4or5 skoda mechanics can't hear or find it then all you can do is sit tight and see if it's gets worse..
You haven't had the car from new and its quite possible that its met a few potholes and high kerbs that could have upset the steering..
I'm sure apart from the motor on the steering rack getting weak/burnt out
The skoda garage are happy that your car is perfectly roadworthy after they have thoroughly examined it..
Id drive on for the moment but yes that pricey motor will need replacing or else you'll have motor failure and a few warning lights on in your dash

So a simple diagnostics could show if it's failing?

bear1

lab man wrote: »

Have you checked the tyres I'd a car here once an had similar problem twas a tyre that a weak spot in the middle of the tyre that a bubble had came in the middle of the tyre causing vibration and slight knocking while driving .

Brand new tyres so not very likely but I can double check.

ba_barabus

bear1 wrote: »

Brand new tyres so not very likely but I can double check.

Did it start with the new tyres?

I had a similar problem when I got my Avensis first, turned out it was the slider pins on the calipers needed greasing.

Turbohymac

Well op ..yes absolutely and it wouldn't be a basic or simple diagnostic check either..I think you're hoping against hope that after the skoda garage checked your car out .that they haven't sorted out the mystery noise and so they might also be wrong with their diagnosis of the electronic steering system beginning to fail ..
I'd be fairly confident your steering system needs replacing especially when diagnosed by dealer and not a cheap back street garage taking a wild guess.
Even non skoda diagnostics can run and set up a new electronic steering system on most popular brands..
Finally your mystery noise most likely will be a cheap repair.but at least you know what's involved with the steering
Good luck

bear1

ba_barabus wrote: »

Did it start with the new tyres?

I had a similar problem when I got my Avensis first, turned out it was the slider pins on the calipers needed greasing.

Almost new, I believe they were a year old when I bought it so roughly 2 years old now but I've winter tyres on the car now - also new, so I'd be surprised.

ba_barabus

bear1 wrote: »

Almost new, I believe they were a year old when I bought it so roughly 2 years old now but I've winter tyres on the car now - also new, so I'd be surprised.

A lot could happen tyres in a year.

bear1

An update.
Steering pump motor is failing which means a total steering rack replacement.
Eye watering expense so a bit of thinking is needed now.

Isambard

Glad you've identified a definite problem. What's the rough cost estimate?
Is it a safety issue or will it drive on for some time?

Maybe trading it in with disclosure of a know problem might be a solution

easygoing39

Unlucky OP,as you say only 160,000 km on her.The rack must have taken a few hard hits by the previous owner.Trade in or fix,bit of thinking to do.If trading in,do it soon before the rack give's up the ghost completely!!!!

colm_mcm

Would you not just bang a used rack on there?

A gamble maybe but a fraction of the cost of a new one.

Or there’s remanufactured ones for around €300?

Turbohymac

Well honestly op I'm glad you finally accepted the skoda dealer opinion..cos for the Last few days it seemed you were hoping against hope that skoda weren't correct in their diagnosis of the steering issue..and yes I had mentioned either sell /trade in or costly repair..
This might even get rid of the mysterious noise you're hearing..
Good luck

bear1

colm_mcm wrote: »

Would you not just bang a used rack on there?

A gamble maybe but a fraction of the cost of a new one.

Or there’s remanufactured ones for around €300?

From what I've understood, you can't simply replace the rack.
I'd have to change the pump and the rack and the job is a very time consuming one.

Overall cost of the repair would be roughly 2.5k (Euro now as I'm not in Irl) which is a hell of a lot of money for a repair. Car's value is about 10k so have to run the numbers for now.
It has a full service history and we are the 2nd owners so if I'm to repair it I'd want it done right and not 2nd hand.

bear1

Isambard wrote: »

Glad you've identified a definite problem. What's the rough cost estimate?
Is it a safety issue or will it drive on for some time?

Maybe trading it in with disclosure of a know problem might be a solution

They can't say, it could go at any moment and with 2 kids you don't want to take the gamble.

bear1

bear1 wrote: »

......................
Overall cost of the repair would be roughly 2.5k (Euro now as I'm not in Irl) ..............

We have the € in Ireland.

easygoing39

Maybe the OP means the equivalent of Euro's in his local currency.

colm_mcm

bear1 wrote: »

From what I've understood, you can't simply replace the rack.
I'd have to change the pump and the rack and the job is a very time consuming one.

Overall cost of the repair would be roughly 2.5k (Euro now as I'm not in Irl) which is a hell of a lot of money for a repair. Car's value is about 10k so have to run the numbers for now.
It has a full service history and we are the 2nd owners so if I'm to repair it I'd want it done right and not 2nd hand.

Your whole car is second hand though

Get a price on reconditioned, or get a second opinion at least. Main dealer only have one way of doing things.

Isambard

colm_mcm wrote: »

Your whole car is second hand though

Get a price on reconditioned, or get a second opinion at least. Main dealer only have one way of doing things.

Maybe shop around a few local independants? Stick a secondhand rack in and sell it quick perhaps?

bear1

Augeo wrote: »

We have the € in Ireland.

In Poland

0lddog

€2.5k

bear1 wrote: »

In Poland

Anyone hazard a guess what a similar repair might cost in RoI ?

:eek:



Interesting question - can VCDS code the 'steering curve' : https://www.briskoda.net/forums/topic/434485-recommended-steering-rack-replacement/

Turbohymac

Repair in Ireland would not be cheaper than in Poland..that's if its comparing like for like.. ie main dealer skoda parts.labour and diagnostics and tracking of wheels etc also getting parts here in Ireland at present is a disaster from main dealers as none of the garages stock even the most basic of parts these days..
If the op is in Poland possibly he might get a non main dealer to fit a genuine electronic rack cheaper.. (labour compared to main dealer)
Not sure if a non genuine/spurious rack is available for vw/skoda.
There are spurious non ford electronics racks available for small transit connect Van's but these sometimes give repeat failure after a short few months.
I'd be going genuine only . But it's the ops money.. coding in the rack isn't a huge issue but isn't a diy job without decent diagnostic equipment..

colm_mcm

Are there different racks on these? Don’t they all have electric power steering?
I can adjust mine in the menus so I assume it’s electric

Turbohymac

Hi Colm mcm most cars and small vans now seem to go with the electric rack /motor and control module.. delicate and very expensive.. last place I worked had a big fleet of golf Van's and passats all electric racks but never had any issues..
I think the ops car possibly got a knock from a high kerb or something during its life..

bear1

colm_mcm wrote: »

Are there different racks on these? Don’t they all have electric power steering?
I can adjust mine in the menus so I assume it’s electric

There are but no adjustments can be made on mine.
Think it depends on the version tbh.
Not sure as well if it's being 4x4 and DSG makes any difference but I'd have thought te 4x4 element would have.

colm_mcm

Try and get a part number and go from there.

https://www.euspares.co.uk/parts-catalog/steering-gear-pump-10299/skoda/octavia/octavia-combi-5e5/59489-1-8-tsi-4x4