As one of the UK’s leading suppliers of technical information to the automotive aftermarket, Autodata has over 65 skilled technicians with a comprehensive understanding of those common problems that take up valuable garage time to investigate. In this regular column Autodata’s Technical Team share their fixes to common problems raised through its technical helpline, available to all UK customers.
Skoda Fabia – Steering creaking noise
Fault:
We have a 2010 Skoda Fabia that has a creaking noise from the front axle over rough roads and when manoeuvring. We’ve heard the noise on a road test but we’re unable to recreate the noise in the workshop. We have checked all the suspension components but can’t find the cause of the noise. Can you help?
Fix:
Yes, we’re aware of this problem affecting Fabia II, Rapid, Rapid Spaceback and Roomster models up to 01/11/13. The cause of the noise is due to corrosion of the track rod ball joints. To confirm the fault remove the steering rack gaiters (Fig 2.1). Check the colouring of the grease in the track rod ball joints (Fig 2.2). If the grease has rusty colouring, remove the steering rack and fit new track rods (Fig 2.3). Tighten the track rod to 80 Nm. Check and, if necessary, adjust the front wheel alignment before road testing the vehicle to confirm the fault has been rectified.
