Whistling

[Owyn]

Morning all, my 3.0tdi is getting on a bit now and is starting to feel a bit tougher, it's done 135k miles but could do with holding onto it for a little while longer. As such it's worth sorting some bits.

I've noticed a whistle/whine coming from the back, I think it alters with speed but does seem pretty constant, it's audible from about 25Mph until it gets drowned out at about 75.
Any clues as to which bits to fettle? I was gonna start with the diff oil.

Thanks

 

[RS5 JON]

Wheel bearing?

JG

 

[Owyn]

I'll have to get it jacked up so I can poke and prod it.
Like I said, it's getting a bit rough so there are probably a few bits need looking at.

 

[spartacus 68]

Sounds like a wheel bearing. Replace in pairs. FAG or SKF.

Rear diff is sealed for life, but hey I replaced the gear oil on mine at 100k miles on my old B5 V6 Amtrak locomotive, especially if you're planning to hold on to it for a while.. They can leak, around driveshaft seals. If you're under there check for damp spots. Should take around 2 litres. Always pull the fill plug before you drop the drain plug. Only use VAG specification oil.

 

[LukeyC]

Sounds similar to what I had - was indeed a wheel bearing

 

[Owyn]

Thanks for this guy's, did anyone do the job themselves? Does it involve a press? If not what's the going rate for getting it sorted? Thanks.

 

[Owyn]

I've had it jacked up this weekend and can't feel any play in the wheels, doesn't seem to be any rumbling either.
From what I've seen this doesn't always mean it's not the wheel bearing though.
I'm trying hard to not convince myself it's the pinion bearing on the diff.

 

[CHEZ]

I've had it jacked up this weekend and can't feel any play in the wheels, doesn't seem to be any rumbling either.
From what I've seen this doesn't always mean it's not the wheel bearing though.
I'm trying hard to not convince myself it's the pinion bearing on the diff.

You won't feel any play even if the wheel bearing is goosed.
They are not that type of bearing.
You will just hear the noise gets worse.
Don't overlook tyres either, cr4p worn tyres can give similar woes

 

[DickoB8]

Sounds very similar to a failed wheel bearing I had a few months back, when the cars jacked up give the wheels a firm spin and you should be able to hear the failed one. Replaced with a SKF bearing and instantly got rid of the noise.

 

[Seantdi]

Had similar a while back and was a wheel bearing. None of the usual signs of one gone which puzzled me for a while. Like you I was convinced it was the dif.

I changed mine myself and there is a fair bit of work involved especially on the quattro.
One side came out reasonably easy the other side I had to take to a local guy who had to use heat and a press to remove.
I couldn't see a complete kit for the rear on the quattro but they are available for the 2wd ones.
Saves having to re use the old hub. This is where the press and heat was needed!!

 

[Owyn]

Thanks for all your help guys, I'm taking into a local specialist tomorrow for diagnosis, I don't fancy trying to press out the hubs myself. Shame really as I like working on it myself.
The car is being a bit of a pain at the minute, if I had £1.50 more in the bank it'd be getting binned.

 

[Owyn]

Well, thanks for all the help, wheel bearing it was, rear drivers side. All replaced and things are good in the world again.