Octavia VRS Mk2 wind vibration between 75-90 kmph

[Aztech]

As per the title I get what I believe to be wind noise when travelling between about 75-90. It's sort of humming sound that goes for about a second, quiet for half a second and repeats.

It's not terrible but is noticeable and you can feel a light vibration through the floor and steering wheel as it hums.

I think its probably the bbq plate looking front grill at a certain speed resonating or something and I'm thinking of buying a honeycomb style one from superskoda. Before I do just thought I'd see if its a common problem or something that someone else has noticed and if there's a simple fix?

[dArK5HaD0w]

i haven't experienced this with mine.

[afterdarker]

Mate I get it in my new VRS wagon, drives me mad. Happened only after I had a left hand front tyre blow out and changed the tyre. I believe it is caused by the tyres (Conti Sport) more than anything, or at least they are a significant contributor.


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[Gerrycan]

Really do not think it is the grill, unless it is obviously loose. Have a look at the front under tray in case that is loose.
Had similar noise and vibration problems at all speeds, issue varied with speed, road surface and/or synchronising of worn tyres on surface.
The Mk2 OEM tyres blocks scalloped badly (Dunlops) after just 10k km.
Had to have a re-alignment and fitted Yokohama tyres. Not as good grip but quiet for their whole life.

Current Mk3 has Dunlop SportMaxx, but no issues so far.

[bobski]

Never had that issue on my Mk2. Agree with above, coming through the steering sounds like tyres?

[dArK5HaD0w]

Mate I get it in my new VRS wagon, drives me mad. Happened only after I had a left hand front tyre blow out and changed the tyre. I believe it is caused by the tyres (Conti Sport) more than anything, or at least they are a significant contributor.

i had conti sport contact 2s on mine - no issues for me.

[spud75]

As per the title I get what I believe to be wind noise when travelling between about 75-90. It's sort of humming sound that goes for about a second, quiet for half a second and repeats.

It's not terrible but is noticeable and you can feel a light vibration through the floor and steering wheel as it hums.

I think its probably the bbq plate looking front grill at a certain speed resonating or something and I'm thinking of buying a honeycomb style one from superskoda. Before I do just thought I'd see if its a common problem or something that someone else has noticed and if there's a simple fix?

No issue on mine with contact 2's. Never had the issue. Whisper quiet, even with Whispbar roof racks.

I would suggest a wheel alignment. A LOT of cars are way out direct from the factory.

[Aztech]

Hmmm maybe a wheels alignment is in order, I didnt think it was the tyres as I have replaced my wheels and tyres, had them done by a shop with a wheel balance but no alignment.

The vibration is exactly the same with the new set up as it was with the original neptune wheels but I guess if its an alignment issue causing the problem then changing wheels wouldn't help.

It still sounds a feels like its coming from the front, I may even try taking off the grill and taking it for a spin to see if it affects it at all.

[afterdarker]

i had conti sport contact 2s on mine - no issues for me.

I just had a wheel alignment today at wheel and tyre specialist Spinning Wheels at Waterloo, Sydney. Still have the humming issue.

Mechanic reckons it is almost certainly a wheel bearing, particularly as humming is much more noticeable on fast right handers when more pressure is on left front wheel (I previously had a left front blow out). So next step, I'm going to try to replace the wheel bearing under warranty.

BTW I am not impressed at all with Conti tyres, I've had 2 blow outs requiring 2 new tyres and car has only done 4,000 km mostly urban driving in Sydney.


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[Gerrycan]

I just had a wheel alignment today at wheel and tyre specialist Spinning Wheels at Waterloo, Sydney. Still have the humming issue.

Mechanic reckons it is almost certainly a wheel bearing, particularly as humming is much more noticeable on fast right handers when more pressure is on left front wheel (I previously had a left front blow out). So next step, I'm going to try to replace the wheel bearing under warranty.

BTW I am not impressed at all with Conti tyres, I've had 2 blow outs requiring 2 new tyres and car has only done 4,000 km mostly urban driving in Sydney.


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Sounds like you have been enacting too many scenes from 'Fast and Furious' films.
I have never experienced a blow out in 45 years of motoring. Picked quite a few punctures from nails and screws in tyres for sure as Australian tradies are pretty liberal about spreading them on the roads when they build a house.

[afterdarker]

Sounds like you have been enacting too many scenes from 'Fast and Furious' films.
I have never experienced a blow out in 45 years of motoring. Picked quite a few punctures from nails and screws in tyres for sure as Australian tradies are pretty liberal about spreading them on the roads when they build a house.

I'm similar to you, 30 years without a blow out, until 2 months ago when I got these f!@#ing Conti tyres


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[Gerrycan]

I'm similar to you, 30 years without a blow out, until 2 months ago when I got these f!@#ing Conti tyres


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That is not a coincidence, you must have got a defective batch.
Might be worth raising with the Australian distributors as they are obviously not fit for use and very dangerous to boot.

[afterdarker]

one was OEM tyre on new car, other was it's replacement!


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[dArK5HaD0w]

U jinxed!! That's wat it is.
or move to another city so u don't get so many blowouts!!

my conti 2s got replaced with conti 5s at approx 62,000 kms.

[brad]

BTW I am not impressed at all with Conti tyres, I've had 2 blow outs requiring 2 new tyres and car has only done 4,000 km mostly urban driving in Sydney.

Contis have a very light sidewall. It's only a 2-ply construction IIRC. It does make them susceptible to sidewall damage, especially if you run them at lower pressures like the 32psi that Skoda recommend for some sizes. Around Sydney you really need to be running 36psi minimum.

If you've had 2 blowouts in 4000km and you haven't impact fractured them then I'd strongly suggest that you contact Continental tech department and tell them as you may have part of a bad batch. If so they might give you a new set for free (or close to it). We used to do it all the time at Goodyear.

Sometimes it's a manufacturing fault, sometimes it's simply bad luck.
I have known some drivers who repeatedly damage tyres - I have no idea how they do it because I give mine a pasting without issue - I do run 38psi though.