Noisy tires since the weather got warmer

[Norm_S4]

Gents,

I got RE11s and very fast when températures heated up about 10 days ago around here, I am experimenting a lot of noise from them. Its as if I was running mud tires from a Jeep at speeds above 30 mph on asphalt. I had my rotors installed about a month ago and being that they were almost new (the tires that is), no wear was really visible (nor is it still). Tires show the outside markings on the outside and they were mounted anyways so that has not changed as they were not noisy when drove previously.

Questions;
- Could it be possible that a slight wear would prevent me from putting front to back and vice versa (by error maybe, they were not marked - I know my bad) or
- According to a mechanician (he hasnèt taken her out for a spin so just assumptions) pointed to wheel bearings going bad?

I have 120000 Km or about just over 80000 miles. Is this normal for bearings to be due for a change?

Any input is greatly appreciated,

[DOCEVG]

I have 55,000 miles on my 2011 S4. Over a period of a week earlier this spring, my winter tires got extremely loud which seemed odd as they only had two winter seasons on them. After confirming I was running proper tire pressures, I took the car into my dealer to take a look. Turned out my front passenger side wheel bearing was going bad, and had to be replaced. I don't think this issue is that uncommon with these cars.

[MrFunk]

Check your wheel bearings...
Also - are those tires directional? There will be an arrow on the sidewall - make sure the arrow is pointing forwards... two wheels will only go on the left and two on the right... can't swap otherwise they will be rolling the incorrect direction and will make a lot of noise.

[Intrepid One]

I just purchased my s4, and the drivers wheel bearing got real noisy and was replaced..I am starting to hear the other one, so I am guessing that one needs replacing also..I'm at 100,000 km. Based on research that I have been able to find, its not uncommon for them to go at approximately this mileage..It sounds like tire noise, but the tires are brand new Michelin Pilot Sport A/S, so it almost certainly is a bearing. Sounds like you may be in the same boat..S

[Norm_S4]

Check your wheel bearings...
Also - are those tires directional? There will be an arrow on the sidewall - make sure the arrow is pointing forwards... two wheels will only go on the left and two on the right... can't swap otherwise they will be rolling the incorrect direction and will make a lot of noise.

RE11s are not indicated with an Arrow but they do have an inside/outside mounting written on the tire. As far as I can tell they are probably no directional side though


I just purchased my s4, and the drivers wheel bearing got real noisy and was replaced..I am starting to hear the other one, so I am guessing that one needs replacing also..I'm at 100,000 km. Based on research that I have been able to find, its not uncommon for them to go at approximately this mileage..It sounds like tire noise, but the tires are brand new Michelin Pilot Sport A/S, so it almost certainly is a bearing. Sounds like you may be in the same boat..S

By the looks of what you are saying and others if they have experience a Wheel bearing replacement, sound like I got 20000 more than usual so I should be considered blessed i guess.

Anybody knows what an average bearing job goes for? and how longer can I go before I really get into trouble? I dont feel any loose but a slight vibration at high speeds on the highway and when I say slight really really not much

[TTRU]

My wheel bearing failed at 65k miles. Dealer tried to tell me it was the tires... I asked them why it made the same noise on the snow and got a blank stare. Finally convinced them to swap out the wheels from another car and take it for a spin. "Well sir... we need to replace your wheel bearing"

Yep

[Intrepid One]

I was travelling on about a 90 mile road trip, and when I first noticed it, I thought it was due to the composition of the highway (kind of a scored concrete surface). As the highway changed back to a regular paved surface, there was a humming noise that changed with the speed of the car, and got progressively worse as the trip went on…Trust me, if it is going , you will soon know for sure..It doesn't get any quieter with time..

[Wilbur]

Just had my right front bearing done at 30,000 miles. Known problem.

[RudyH]

I have the same issue.
Definitely the right wheel bearing went and it was replaced, however the noise isn't completely gone.

Right now the shop is at a toss up. They are leaning towards tires, but potential of a noise coming from the front differential. It's hard to tell because the car needs to be under load. Likely won't do that until I put my winter tires on in the late fall though...

Do you notice different noise on different road surfaces? I am not sure if this is a better indicator of tires? I know I do, therefore leaning to tires.

[whts4]

A possible quick way to tell if it is a wheel bearing is to listen while driving the car and turning the car left then right. If the noise goes away when turning or changes significantly then the bearing on the outside wheel is the culprit (its under load when turning while the inside is not).

[Norm_S4]

I was travelling on about a 90 mile road trip, and when I first noticed it, I thought it was due to the composition of the highway (kind of a scored concrete surface). As the highway changed back to a regular paved surface, there was a humming noise that changed with the speed of the car, and got progressively worse as the trip went on…Trust me, if it is going , you will soon know for sure..It doesn't get any quieter with time..


Just had my right front bearing done at 30,000 miles. Known problem.


I have the same issue.
Definitely the right wheel bearing went and it was replaced, however the noise isn't completely gone.

Right now the shop is at a toss up. They are leaning towards tires, but potential of a noise coming from the front differential. It's hard to tell because the car needs to be under load. Likely won't do that until I put my winter tires on in the late fall though...

Do you notice different noise on different road surfaces? I am not sure if this is a better indicator of tires? I know I do, therefore leaning to tires.


A possible quick way to tell if it is a wheel bearing is to listen while driving the car and turning the car left then right. If the noise goes away when turning or changes significantly then the bearing on the outside wheel is the culprit (its under load when turning while the inside is not).

Diagnosis for now; left front driver bearing is the culprit. It may also be on the right one but that I will know when I get it in. I will probably get away with a 400$ CDN per corner including tech time which is not that bad.