Bad Wheel Bearing?

**biffturkle** · 06-27-2008 11:13 AM

STFA and didn't find anything definitive, but here's my problem. I get an metal rubbing on metal sound when travelling between 30-40 MPH. The volume of the sound oscillates and gets louder when I turn. I can feel the vibration in the pedals and steer wheel.

I jacked up all four corners and checked for play in the wheels but they don't wobble at all. I'm worried that it may be one of the differentials. Has anyone had a similar experience?

Thanks in advance.

**Hotel Guy** · 06-27-2008 11:46 AM

I had a bad wheel bearing about 6 months ago. It wasnt a metal on metal sound, but more like a loud humming sound coming from the front of the car. The pitch of the sound would change when I would turn from left to right.

**manhattanprjkt8** · 06-27-2008 01:05 PM

what does it cost to replace a wheel bearing these days on an ess pho?

i just got my b6 yesterday and think that is the one problem it has...

**Escargot** · 06-29-2008 01:05 PM

Use extreme caution - it could be a wheel bearing problem.

I had an intermittant metal on metal sound on my GLIII Jetta years ago and ended up being a rear wheel bearing. After the dealership diagnosed it, they said it was fine to dive on until the service date (one week later). As it turns out this was really bad advice.

Long story short - on a latenight drive home a few days later the wheel started wobbling, which eventually took out the rear brakes, and then the entire wheel came off the car (while in motion). I crashed down on my axle and watched the wheel roll down the road in front of me. I was lucky enough to only be going about 5 mph when it came off, but still the chance for a more spectacular disaster was there. I eventually got the dealership to cover everything that broke as a result, but it was a long and drawn out process that left me carless for weeks.

My advice...assume the worst and do not drive the car if possible.

**biffturkle** · 06-29-2008 11:10 PM

Guess I'll err on the side of caution and call the dealership tomorrow.

Originally Posted by Escargot

Use extreme caution - it could be a wheel bearing problem.

I had an intermittant metal on metal sound on my GLIII Jetta years ago and ended up being a rear wheel bearing. After the dealership diagnosed it, they said it was fine to dive on until the service date (one week later). As it turns out this was really bad advice.

Long story short - on a latenight drive home a few days later the wheel started wobbling, which eventually took out the rear brakes, and then the entire wheel came off the car (while in motion). I crashed down on my axle and watched the wheel roll down the road in front of me. I was lucky enough to only be going about 5 mph when it came off, but still the chance for a more spectacular disaster was there. I eventually got the dealership to cover everything that broke as a result, but it was a long and drawn out process that left me carless for weeks.

My advice...assume the worst and do not drive the car if possible.

**Tek4ever** · 06-29-2008 11:13 PM

Originally Posted by Hotel Guy

I had a bad wheel bearing about 6 months ago. It wasnt a metal on metal sound, but more like a loud humming sound coming from the front of the car. The pitch of the sound would change when I would turn from left to right.

Can anyone give a write up on how to find out if your bearings are good/bad?

**SuperAvant** · 06-30-2008 07:05 AM

Originally Posted by Tek4ever

Can anyone give a write up on how to find out if your bearings are good/bad?

Jack up the car and tug on the wheels from side to side. There should be no play or wobble. IF there is it is most likely a bad bearing.

**snowbird** · 06-30-2008 08:35 AM

I just had a front wheel bearing replaced. It almost sounded like a loud tire, and hummed loudest between 115-120km/h. Couldn't notice it at low speeds.

I mentioned it during the factory maintenence visit, and they replaced it under my 4yr warranty.

**Tek4ever** · 06-30-2008 04:09 PM

Thanks SuperAvant.

**biffturkle** · 06-30-2008 09:11 PM

I have an appointment tomorrow morning. If the bearing is really bad, I'll have them save it so I post pics.

**biffturkle** · 07-02-2008 09:57 PM

Well, the dealer replace both front wheel bearing under warranty. I didn't take any pics because the left one didn't look like there was anything wrong with it. They had to replace the right hub because they couldn't get the bearing off of it. There's a lot less noise now and what remains sounds like the tires.