Funny noises from my S3 (Wheel bearings?)

[comdw]

I'm getting some interesting noises from my S3, which I'm hoping are just worn wheel bearings and not something more sinister (and only 6 weeks to go on my warranty!).

At speeds above 50 its like a constant whirring (more like someone going "oooooooooo"!) noise.

It becomes louder between 35 and 40 and more vibration in the noise especially when turning - its especially noticeable if I come right off the gas at 40 and allow the car to slow down.

There also more of a rumbling noise at around 17-20mph (i.e. exactly half of the speeds above).

Note that the noise remains the same even if I'm not in gear.

So is it wheel bearings or anything else I should be more worried about??

 

[NWMark]

Its either that, the brakes (sticking caliper, or handbrake problem) try using the brakes/handbrake very slightly and see if it makes any difference or it could be a tyre!!

although from your description it does sound like wheel bearings, try jacking the car up and check for any play in the wheel when gripped either side and 'rocked'.

Mark

 

[MarkyB]

Prolly worth getting the offending wheel's balance checked before blaming the bearings. I had a similar problem with a buckled wheel on my old Cavalier that I eventually diagnosed by swapping it with the spare.

MarkyB.

 

[comdw]

actually i've had the space saver wheel on the back left for a few days (not done many miles though) and the noise seems louder since - the proper wheel is back on now.