TonyOB from Basingstoke - New Member

[TonyOB]

Hi everyone,
Tony, 74 year old from Basingstoke, Hampshire. My car, 2010 Octavia Estate Laurin and Klement, (Purchased in 2012, and I still love this car), Wifes car, Fabia 1.2, Daughter's car Octavia 2007 1.6 FSI. We are an all Skoda Family.
I'm an Army veteren and served 22years in the REME (Royal Electrical and Mechanical engineers).
My interests are, Photography, Travelling, Languages, Camping/Caravanning in Europe and recently our daughter's Skoda 2007 Octavia 1.6 FSI.
The Octavia's service highlighted some additional work that should be carried out soon, mainly front and rear discs and some suspension bushes and gaiters.
In addition the car was having an engine tantrum which two garages and £160.00 of sensors hadn't cured. The car would stall on start up, after a drive from her work to pick up the children from school.
The cost of all the work would exceed the value of the car by quite a lot so I jumped in and said "don't worry, Dad'll fix it"
Fortunately we were able to lend her my wife's Fabia as this was no quick fix.
It is so easy to take for granted the information available on the internet, but I don't anymore.
I spent a considerable amount of time researching engine problems and watching tutorials on this and that.
The engine problem was cured first hit, having watched a helpful garage video about the High Pressure Fuel Pump as being a possible culprit, which it was. Thankfully, it was easy to take off and the fault was a badly worn Cam Follower and pump plunger. I couldn't determine if the camshaft was worn, but it looked ok by torchlight, so I decided that I would check the cam follower each 12 months and if a new one is required, it will only cost £25.00 or so, a lot of cam followers can be bought for the cost of a new camshaft. I will probably have to replace the HPFP torx screws for studs, as the screws go straight into aluminium and may not like being disturbed on a regular basis.
A good second hand pump fixed that problem promptly. I tackled the brakes next, new discs and pads front and rear and, because the car had done 93000 miles, the brake cylinders were overhauled and painted black.
I could write a book about the rear brakes, especially the carriers, but, again, thanks to wiser people than me, I was able to get it done without too much swearing.
I am still pondering the suspension, Mmm, a bush too far, maybe. I need some courage to tackle that.
And so, I find myself here in the VWAudi forum, thank you by the way. I really like the feel of this forum. There isn't any animosity, as I've seen elsewhere, so I am looking forward to learning some more.
If anyone is still awake, after reading this, and want's to know how the rear carriers gave in to my constant nagging and gave up the fight, I would be pleased to write it down.

[VAG-Abound]

Welcome

I'm still a bit younger that you, but can see me still working on the family cars into the future.

Start separate threads on what's left to be done - it'll help keep things focused. Having said that: bushes in arms / brackets that can be hard to replace are often available as a ready assembled unit for a few £10s extra. Potentially great value if you don't have a workshop to press them out / in. Make sure any one-time bolts are also included when comparing prices.

And a thread on how you battled the rear would be good. Will probably help someone.

[TonyOB]

Thank you for your reply and wise advice. I'm totally new to forums and found it difficult to even introduce myself.
But I will persevere.
Can I post links to Youtube videos that helped me?