Spacers and Wheel Bearing Failure??

[xbimmer06]

Hey guys just wondering what the consensus is on the relation b/w spacers and wheel bearing failure? I have my car sitting at the dealer; apparently my car started with some "clicking" noises in the front-end when turning; no grinding at all, and was diagnosed wheel bearing failure by audi tech. They first said they were going to repack with special lubricant to see if that would fix, and now today say that it will need new bearings...oh and that they might not be covered due to the spacer install. My ride is MY 2011 P+ on stock titanium wheels and a conservative 5mm (front) and 10mm (rear) BFI spacer setup. Car has approximately 6500 miles on odometer!! Also riding on OE H&R springs on factory "sport" suspension if that factors in to the equation. Any thoughts or similar problems with members on here running spacers? Thanks again fellas.

[fatbrembos]

yeahh ive never heard of that like AT ALL

clicking is usually due to CV boot/axel which as ripped, but spacers ruining wheel bearings? NO im sorry but that makes zero sense

[Okan509]

I've heard premature wheel bearing and spacers are related... but I've been on 15/25 for 30k miles without issues..

[Skyler@Achtuning]

I haven't really seen any correlation with spacers and early wheel bearing replacement. Also wheel bearings usually produce a humming sound when they fail, not a clicking sound.

[cory_can]

5 or 10mm spacers causing bearing failure after ~6500miles? That's a pretty big stretch of blame... for even a dealer. You would have to be running +10cm spacer for 6500miles to cause a bearing failure IMO.

[xbimmer06]

I always heard/thought "clicking" while turning was associated with cv joint issues but audi says they are intact and the problem lies inside the wheel bearings? I have a feeling they will try to screw me on the front end and void warranty as a result of spacer/spring setup as the SA keeps mentioning that since I have a modified suspension I may not be covered for expenses/parts. At this time they are waiting to hear if work will be approved accordingly. By chance anybody know of any vendor/company to source parts if denied? I checked genuinevwaudiparts and combined cost for the 2 front bearings is ~$515! Thanks for replies everyone.

[Skyler@Achtuning]

I would recommend going to a different dealer for service if possible

[piotrowr]

I agree, try another dealer but they will look for any reason to void a warranty so be prepared. If it's not 100% OEM we will have problems. They would not look into my potential oil consumption issue because I had a Napa oil filter put on during any oil change and the consumption has been high before then, size 0 miles!

[xbimmer06]

Thing is the closest dealer is in Tucson (~300+ miles)...on a chance that they may or may not cover work. Damn, oh well looks like I will find out tomorrow as dealer is closed already and apparently SA never called. Thanks you guys, I will keep you all posted.

[coolwater]

I am getting some vibrations on my driver side.

Went to my friends shop and he put my car on a lift.
He did the usually pressure on top/bottom and right/left to see if the wheels budge.
He then had one guy hand spin the wheel while he put the stethoscope to the bearing.
He didn't hear anything too loud, but he felt vibration in the driver's rear.

So anyway I am headed to dealer on fri. I am td1 and they denied my engine mounts.
Yet they tell me wheel bearings could be covered.....

-cW

[B_Boy]

on my 2009 a4 had a pass side wheel bearing replaced. dealer said it was a know issue with 2009 models. after that i had spacers on for 20K miles with no issues. the issue is def not spacer related.

[xbimmer06]

Update: Car was subsequently fixed under warranty. Turns out there is a technical service bulletin...

TSB 40 (Clicking noise from wheel bearing).
Condition: Clicking or clacking noise when maneuvering or parking
Technical Background: Normal driving dynamics may cause microscopic movements between the wheel bearing and wheel bearing housing
Product Solution: --
Service: Using a brush, apply a thin coat of paste (G 052 109 A2) on the wheel bearing housing as shown on the photo.

*Tip: Wheel bearings replaced for this concern will not be reimbursed under warranty.

Seems like it has been fixed but time will tell...Just posting above in case anybody else encounters above problem. Oh and dont be a dumbass like me...Remove your spacers prior to having car diagnosed! It will save you heartache, believe me.

[KRS Aaron]

I have the same problem and my service guy tried to say it was the spacers too. Thanks for posting the TSB so I have something to bring up next time I'm in for service. I noticed with mine it got really bad after sitting in start stop traffic on a hill. When it was pointed down the hill I could modulate the sound using the brake pedal.

[ENV²]

Update: Car was subsequently fixed under warranty. Turns out there is a technical service bulletin...

TSB 40 (Clicking noise from wheel bearing).
Condition: Clicking or clacking noise when maneuvering or parking
Technical Background: Normal driving dynamics may cause microscopic movements between the wheel bearing and wheel bearing housing
Product Solution: --
Service: Using a brush, apply a thin coat of paste (G 052 109 A2) on the wheel bearing housing as shown on the photo.

*Tip: Wheel bearings replaced for this concern will not be reimbursed under warranty.

Seems like it has been fixed but time will tell...Just posting above in case anybody else encounters above problem. Oh and dont be a dumbass like me and remove your spacers prior to having car diagnosed! It will save you heartache, believe me.

Just recently got a slight noise like that. Where is the photo for the TSB? I want to do this myself to my car. Its funny how they add in there that the wheel bearing wont be covered for replacement

[Snyper886]

I'm also getting some clicking from the front right so seeing more TSB detail would be appreciated. I've got a BBK kit so I'd imagine the dealer blaming the aftermarket parts for the bearing issue (if that's the case). In my case, the clicking (ticking) is mainly when the car is going straight and right turns, but left turns would be quiet.

[coolwater]

I just got 3 wheel bearings replaced under warranty.
I am not on spacers, but have a5 19s.
They drove my car and felt same vibrations I was complaining about.

He did the fronts and rear driver's side.
He told me the fronts are prone to failure.
They also found my water pump was leaking.
That was replaced also.

Driving for two days, the car drives like new.
Silky smooth and no vibrations.

-cW

[TURBOB8]

anyone have a picture of where the water pump is? What are the signs of it leaking?

[coolwater]

Coolant/antifreeze runs low.
Fluid in your driveway.
Engine eventually will say to stop car and add coolant.

-cW

[xbimmer06]

For those requesting pics/more info, here ya go!

[grnfool]

Is the clicking/clacking occur all the time when maneuvering?

I have a clunking in the rear that seems to occur only when I turn right.

[xbimmer06]

Is the clicking/clacking occur all the time when maneuvering?

I have a clunking in the rear that seems to occur only when I turn right.

In my case it was happening both left/right turning; although more pronounced when lock to lock turn.

[MailmanOdd]

Necro the thread...I am having the same issue on my '12 with stock suspension. Going to bring it in to the dealer and see if this is the issue or if it's a bad tie rod.

Edit: Just realized this is in the A4 forum. I wonder if it applies to S4? Probably not?