View Full Version : Wheel bearing going, but have to drive it.
sacandagaD
06-22-2018, 12:40 PM
So at 38k, I'm getting a classic wheel bearing whine. Car is scheduled t go in next Wednesday. Trouble is I have to drive it 110 miles home today and back on Monday. It just started within last 100 miles, and is not super loud yet, but I wonder if any of you with bad ones in the past, drove it very far before fixing?
I know these bearing are notorious for being shite, but this is the first one in 3 Audis to go. I just don't want to be stuck on the side of the MA Pike tonight.
theweebabyseamus
06-22-2018, 12:56 PM
So at 38k, I'm getting a classic wheel bearing whine. Car is scheduled t go in next Wednesday. Trouble is I have to drive it 110 miles home today and back on Monday. It just started within last 100 miles, and is not super loud yet, but I wonder if any of you with bad ones in the past, drove it very far before fixing?
I know these bearing are notorious for being shite, but this is the first one in 3 Audis to go. I just don't want to be stuck on the side of the MA Pike tonight.
They don't for the most part just 'go'. They start to and then progressively deteriorate, so you should be fine. I drove on a bad wheel bearing for a few weeks on my old M3 before getting it replaced.
sacandagaD
06-22-2018, 01:04 PM
They don't for the most part just 'go'. They start to and then progressively deteriorate, so you should be fine. I drove on a bad wheel bearing for a few weeks on my old M3 before getting it replaced.
That's what I'm hoping, thanks!
toastsauce
06-22-2018, 01:33 PM
Mine made noise for about 5000 miles before it got unbearable. No damage to other components but bearings were definitely toast.
Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk
doughboy17
06-22-2018, 01:37 PM
Although I did not drive it the 240 miles home, the Audi Service Mgr. told me the wheel bearings are designed like tanks and would not have caused additional damage had I made the trip home. Loud, yes; damage, no.
SDV325
06-22-2018, 01:40 PM
That's what I'm hoping, thanks!
You are fine. Even if the bearing lets go completely (which it wont due to its design) the hub and outter race bearing will take some serious abuse. Mine got to the point where i didnt want to drive anymore due to the noise (was waiting for parts).
Eventually replaced by a good friend who is a journeyman, these will never explode and take the entire hub with it...like a Chevy for example. The outer race bearing can get seized in the hub and has to be cut out usually, but rarely will damage the hub due to the awesome German design [wrench]
sacandagaD
06-22-2018, 01:50 PM
Thanks again to all for the replies. Guess I can't complain too much, since in the last seven years of owning 3 Audis, this will be the first non-maintenance related service appointment ever (And it's under warranty, [:D]).
Strike that - YouTube was my friend
Is the sound like a constant whirring from the wheel? Similar to hard braking with slotted rotors? My left front just started making that sound.
sacandagaD
06-25-2018, 06:18 AM
Strike that - YouTube was my friend
Is the sound like a constant whirring from the wheel? Similar to hard braking with slotted rotors? My left front just started making that sound.
Yep, pretty much like that without the vibration.
sacandagaD
06-27-2018, 01:05 PM
UPDATE: Just got the car back from dealer, replaced Driver's side Front Wheel Bearing at 39k under warranty.