Noise at speed

[Memphis]

Hi,

I've got an 05 LEON FR TDi which has recently developed a strange sound. The best way I can describe it is similar to a motorbike engine note. I can only hear it when going 30mph+ (but its not to say it is not evident below that speed). At 60mph+ it gets more obvious. I can hear the noise in addition to the normal engine note, when cruising at the said speeds, partial acceleration and easing off the accelerator.

I'm going to remove my front two wheels to have a good look at the condition of the tyres on the inner edges (tread wise they should be fine but the road's near work are full of potholes which may have done some damage even though I try my hardest to miss them). It will also give me a good look at the brakes.

The car is ok to drive but I know I need to get my tracking done. I was thinking it could be road noise from the tyres or a wobbly wheel. I cannot hear the sound when revving the engine at a standstill.

Any suggestions of what to check?

 

[Andrewcupra TDI]

inside edge of tyres , had this for ages on mine and was adamant it was a wheel baring, my uncle then spotted the inner edge was all uneven, (budgets on when bought car)

i now put the back ones on front for them to wear quicker , also the noise shifted from rear to front so for me it is def the tyres

 

[Memphis]

Sounds promising. I'll check that later this evening when I get home from work.

 

[Andrewcupra TDI]

what we done was jack the car up look very close to the rear tyres inner edge and slowly moving them saw it being an uneven pattern as in not fully round

the only way to discribe it is each chung of tread was higher or lower going around as in _-_-_ not as much gap though

 

[Memphis]

I checked the inside of each of the front tyres this evening. The drivers side inside is quite low (not uneven). The center of each front is also low on tread. They are still legal but I will be changing these soon then.

On my way home from work I noticed the sound was more pronounced than ever. It was most noticable when going round a right hand bend (so the load on the left front). Possibly wheel bearing with this new evidence?

 

[glynnd]

Get the near side bearing checked, jack it up wheel on and check for excessive up down movement.
Glynn

 

[Memphis]

This has been identified as a dodgy wheel bearing. I'm having this replaced and should get the car back tomorrow. Will then be able to see if it has sorted it.

 

[googies]

I have this on both my reaers, wearing evenly (although tyre wear is uneven if you get me) on both sides. Wheel camber alignment issues causing this.

 

[twig]

I've got a similar noise on my mk2 Ibiza which I think is a wheel bearing. The note is a bit like wind whistling through a bad door seal on mine & gets louder and higher in pitch from 40mph onwards. Let us know how you get on. I'll be doing mine soon.

 

[Memphis]

I got the car back yesterday afternoon. I took it for a 90 minute drive along country roads, motorway and in the city and could not hear the noise. Replacing the front offside wheel bearing seems to have solved it.

 

[twig]

Excellent news mate.