Noise when driving - wheel bearing?

[drcotts]

GalaxyMk2 TDI Auto

Since having this car i have noticed a whining/rumbling type noise when driving. Its not there immediately when starting out but appears after a few minutes. It doesnt change with engine speed so i dont think its anything to do with the gearbox and theres no vibration felt in the steering.

I suspect a front wheel bearing and tried to see if the noise changed when steeering left or right but it doesnt seem to make much difference if any to the sound.

If it is a wheel bearing I would be happy to change this myself but wonder if theres any tests to see which side it is. It seems to be from the front but its difficult to see which side. Is it just a case of lifting a wheel and checking for play or noise when rotating.?

Any tips appreciiated

[insanitybeard]

The usual test is to raise the wheels and as you say check for any play, roughness and or noise when you spin the wheel by hand, however due to the weight of the driveshafts/train on the wheel it's not always easy or obvious, especially if the bearing isn't that far gone.

Another possible test is to raise the wheel, and with the help of an assistant carefully get them to put the vehicle in drive and rev the engine a bit to spin the wheel up under power whilst you listen for any noises, this will cause the ABS lamp to illuminate though so you'd need to have VAG-com or equivalent to clear the fault code that will be stored by doing this, plus with an auto it may register auto gearbox fault codes.

[1958steveflying]

If it is a wheel bearing it would definitely change it's note with change in speed.

[jimmy-james]

Dodgy, cheap directional tires maybe? I have seen this several times before when the noise appears as the tyre heats up and as they wear. Asymmetric tires are the best for low rolling noise.

[drcotts]

Thanks All
The frequency of the sound does change with road wheel speed but not engine speed which sort of roles out engine and gbox

Now i have loked closely it can be felt very slightly in the steering so I do think its a bearing and not driveshaft
I will l;et you know the outcome anyway

[bigjeeze]

I just changed a front wheel bearing on my Mk1 - The symptoms were unmistakeable! WHat a noise!.  Strangely though when jacked up and the wheel spun I could hear nothing. It was only when I put it in gear and let the clutch out you could replicate the noise. Final test was yto drive it and swerve ( carefully!) from left to right until the noise disappeared. That identified the nearside bearing. It was in quite a state - but at 158k miles I feel I got good value!

[drcotts]

Just to report it was a wheel bearing. Job sorted now all quiet thanks guys

[Chrispb]