Humming noise at 70mph

[ChrisB8S4]

I have a stock 6spd 2011 S4 with 11,000 miles on it. When cruising at 70mph there is an annoying humming noise which is noticeable when the music is off. It is loud enough for my passengers to ask, "What is that noise?" This noise raises and lowers in pitch depending on the speed of the car. I do not recall hearing this sound when I initially got the car. I thought it may have been tire noise from my winter setup. I swapped my winter wheels for my stock summer wheels the other day and the sound still is occurring. It does not sound like the exhaust or engine note.


Has anyone else experience a noise like this?

[adbender]

Could be a wheel bearing...?

I had to replace one on my passenger front under warranty.

does it get louder when doing quick turns to one side or the other?...another symptom.

[ChrisB8S4]

I haven't noticed it getting louder when doing quick turns. It usually starts to be heard around 30 mph and then gets loudest at 70mph.

[machattackii]

I had this problem due to feathering of my tires. I had Pirelli P-Zeros, and some alignment issues, which led to the feathering. Replaced with Michelin Pilot Super Sports and all's quiet!

But the range of the humming was very similar to yours, started around 40 mph and was loudest at 65 mph.

[ziobronz]

I'd say it could be your wheel bearings, if you keep driving, the noise will get louder and louder.

[ECS Tuning-Audi]

Definitely sounds like it could be a wheel bearing. I'd bring it back to the dealer for replacement under warranty.

Jason

[ChrisB8S4]

Good call guys. I took it to Vision Audi and it was the wheel bearing. They ordered a new wheel bearing and put it on today. No more annoying sound.

Thanks.

[memphis_s4]

I have the same noise and my stingy ass dealership says its the tires...

[sixspeed]

Picked up the same noise tonight. I suspected a wheel bearing as well and will take it in to the dealership tomorrow. Judging by the this thread and a few others I've just searched, looks like it probably is the bearing. Audi must make them from chocolate.

[AKPS4]

good to know. i hear a humming noise very slightly but only at like 60-80 range never below that. and not all the time. its random. i one of my wheel bearings are starting to make its way out... dealer probably has to take the care out to diagnose? I hate others driver my car, especially the dealer... oh well. How do you know which wheel bearing it is, tough to tell which side its coming from. or if its front or back or left or right. dont know.

[ENV²]

I'm joining the list of wheel bearing woes. Got the noise and its getting louder. Headed to dealer Friday morning.

[MrFunk]

Tires or wheel bearing. Just take it to the shop and have em check it out...

[ENV²]

Tires or wheel bearing. Just take it to the shop and have em check it out...

Im almost 100% sure it is the bearing. Feathering usually comes on slowly and has more of a howl. This is more of a grind that onsets very suddently above 30mph. I used to have tire feathering with my 350Z until they did a TSB on it. THis is a much different sound. Once I get above 70MPH I can hear the resonating wom-wom-wom sound.

[MVR 155]

I got my 2013 back at the beginning of April, I noticed shortly after getting it that I had a light whine/howl on deceleration from a bit over 50mph down to 35mph. The determined the noise was the sports diff unit and replaced it with a new unit. Quiet as a mouse now.

[mecheng]

Bumping this thread for posterity.

I've got a similar noise starting around 20-30mph, getting loudest around 50-60mph, and then ever-present thereafter with pitch matching car speed, not transmission/engine revs. I installed H&R OE springs two weeks ago and I have an appointment next week to get it all aligned, so I'm inclined to chalk this noise up to asymmetrical tire wear.

I'll update the thread with the result of alignment, ask the guys at Pfaff their opinion on the noise and see if they can identify any tire feathering etc. If it doesn't subside following the appointment I'll bring it into the dealer immediately and have them give it the once over.

Stay tuned...

Edit #1: The best way to describe this noise, especially when you're on the highway doing >60mph, is it sounds like you're following a really loud sportbike who's exhaust note varies with the car's speed.

[JD_MD]

I believe I have a similar situation. I have a "whine" that sounds like it is coming from the right side. It starts at 45mph, is the loudest at 49mph and quickly stops at 52mph. There is also a similar situation around 70mph.

I have changed gears. The noise characteristics do not change. If there is no load, the sound is subdued a little. More engine load, it is louder. Turning the wheel does not change the sound.

I have a 2012 S4 Prestige DSG all stock. I planned on an alignment next week at the dealer. I will mention this.

[mecheng]

So the noise has gotten considerably louder since I posted last week, it's quite obvious that an alignment isn't going to do anything to remedy the situation.

I'm confident that it's a wheel bearing so I've made an appointment to have the dealership take a look; my only trepidation is that they'll deny the warranty claim on the grounds that I've installed H&R OE springs. Is anyone able to assuage these concerns of mine, or should I prepare my anus?

[BirdmanQ5]

Are you TD1?

[mecheng]

That's a big negatory little buddy.

[BirdmanQ5]

You might be ok, try Pfaff up at Jane & Rutherford, they are the most mod-friendly in my opinion and they frequently install H&R Springs. In fact, there are two cars in their showroom running them. Has to be proven that the springs caused the bearing problems (which in all likeliness might have)

[mecheng]

Alright. I'll update with the result. Thanks Birdman.

[AZS4]

I had this issue too. It was a right rear wheel bearing. Replaced it under warranty and no more humming. :)

[mecheng]

Update: front left wheel bearing replaced under warranty and no issues with having installed H&R OE springs.

[TCHUN003]

Are you guys hearing the noise with the windows down too? I only hear the humming when my windows are up...weird. Any other way to determine if the wheel bearing is bad besides hearing the humming?