I have a rather loud droning (possibly roaring?) noise that kicks in at about 30 MPH and maxes at about 55 MPH. Beyond 55 MPH it trails off a bit. I've also noticed that if I start to veer left ever so slightly, the noise pretty much goes away. It returns as soon as I straighten out or veer/turn to the right.

This noise is only related to car speed and not to engine speed in any way. Does this sound like some sort of wheel ball bearings issue? The tires have plenty of life left.

Thanks...

 

Wheel bearing, likely the left front if it disappears as you turn left.

 

wheel bearing....

$55 for the bearing and you can take your steering knuckle into any machine shop and they will press it in for about 15-25$

gl!

I drove on a bad wheel bearing for about 5k miles before I did anything about it...but I would recommend fixing it as soon as the funds and time become available...

 

OK thanks... Although probably an easy job to do, this probably wouldn't be for someone who hasn't even changed brakes before, would it? Or, is this really a pretty easy thing to do in the afternoon with a machinist on hand?

Also, would this be a good time to replace the brakes?

Lastly, I can't tell if the sound comes from the front or rear, but it's a good sign that it's the front one due to steering sensitivity, right?

Thanks....

 

Removing the axle from the hub is the hardest part. The rest is simply unbolting the suspension and brakes. One you have the wheel carrier free, take it to a shop to have the new bearing pressed in.


You'll be removing the disc and caliper, but you'll still have to attack the other side. So sure, if they are in need of replacement, why not?

-In general- if it is that sensitive to steering, it is usually a bad bearing in the front. Bad wheel bearings in back are usually more of a growl and rumble that will change sounds with heavy load changes. The only way to accurately tell is to use chassis ears or a stethoscope... or hang a trusting buddy from the bottom of the car on a roadtest (not recommended.).

 

try jacking the car up and giving each wheel a shake. If theres any give from the hub when you shake the wheel from side to side its likely thats your bad one. I was lazy though and just took mine to Big-O and they looked at it for free.

 

OK thanks guys. I'm going to be ordering my parts for this car from now on. I see ECStuning mentioned here as a favorite. There was another one that I've come accross here, which is an actual Audi parts store, which sells stuff much lower than other guys. I can't remember the name of it, but I think they were in Ohio? Anyone remember the name of this place? Or other reputable places? Pricing is key. Thanks!

 

Blauparts and PureMS are good places, too.

 

yeah my 2.8 Qm does this noise too (also between ~30 to ~60) and it kinda vibrates a lil at certain speeds. but the steering wheel doesnt vibrate, so i taught it was probably one in the back but i lifted the car and tried "giving each wheel a shake" and they surprisingly didnt even move ( the whole car was shaking but i didnt feel any 'give from the hub') so what else could it be??
i apologize for stealing the tread
thanks in advance!

 

Wheel bearing. If you aren't mechanically inclined find a shop that will do it for you. Reasonable labor should be about 100 dollars including pressing the bearing. Part is about 50-55 dollars