Question; noise from wheel?

[thebro90]

Hi,

I have a whirring noise which seems as if it's coming from left front area. It becomes prominent at around 40mph, and doesn't seem revs related. I've looked around at the forums here and it might point to a wheel bearing. I'm really looking for a conformation or any other ideas of what this might be.

Thanks for your time.

Mark

PS What does a noisy dif sound like?

[zollaf]

this is usually a wheel bearing. does the noise come and go as you steer round bends. other possibilities would be a tyre. a diff makes noise from the gearbox rather than a side. what car have you got and year etc....

[thebro90]

Good morning. Thank you for your quick reply.

I haven't noticed if the sound comes and goes when cornering, but shall monitor that now. The tyre seems to be fine and the noise is rather from the left side as opposed to more central. She is a 2003 S4 V8 4.2, approaching 144,000.

One other question. Am I still safe to drive, if so are there recommended speeds that I should adhere to?

[zollaf]

can't say if you are safe to drive or not. you are if nothing happens, but if it is a bearing and it lock up or disintegrates, then its not safe. more than likely ok for a bit though.

[thebro90]

ok, thanks for that. Is it a big job? I mean time wise. 1 hour, 2 hours?

[zollaf]

an hour in a workshop but you will need a press. a bit more if the top pinch bolt is stuck.

[thebro90]

Great, thank you very much indeed for your advice. I feel a lot better about it now.

[thebro90]

Hi all,

Just for the record, it was indeed a bearing. Almost £200 though!

Thanks to Zollaf for your help.