Have A Noise - Need Help

[treginginco]

2013 allroad - 70k miles

Between 40-50mph and noticeable, but light, thump-thump-thump sound that appears to be coming from the right front side. Can also feel it in the gas pedal

Thump goes away faster than 50mph.

From 70-85mph a noticeable hum. It got much louder after a tire rotation. Went back to the tire shop, they re-did the balancing, but noises still there.

So, is this a wheel bearing or something else.

[bakedziti]

How's your alignment?
Did the noise move with the rotation?
Do you have any vertical play in the wheels if the car is off the ground?

EDIT: What do your tires look/feel like? Actually feel them.

[treginginco]

How's your alignment?
Did the noise move with the rotation?
It's certainly gotten louder since then

Do you have any vertical play in the wheels if the car is off the ground?
No

EDIT: What do your tires look/feel like? Actually feel them.
6/32 of tread left. Tires are in great condition.

[ChornsYYC]

If your tires are wearing evenly and the hum is independent of RPM and changes pitch with speed it's likely a bad wheel bearing.

[treginginco]

If your tires are wearing evenly and the hum is independent of RPM and changes pitch with speed it's likely a bad wheel bearing.

Tires are wearing evenly.
Hum is only from 70-80mph, but does not change pitch.

[blbroo]

40-50 is a thump thump kind of like a prop plane? Does it get louder when you are going around a corner in either direction?

[treginginco]

40-50 is a thump thump kind of like a prop plane? Does it get louder when you are going around a corner in either direction?

No. It quiets down on hard acceleration, but more noticeable coasting downhill in that speed range.

[blbroo]

No. It quiets down on hard acceleration, but more noticeable coasting downhill in that speed range.

Can you tell what corner of the car it's coming from? Even if it's in the front or back? If so, move tires around one at a time to see if you might have a weird wear issue. Could be feathering or cupping.

[treginginco]

Can you tell what corner of the car it's coming from? Even if it's in the front or back? If so, move tires around one at a time to see if you might have a weird wear issue. Could be feathering or cupping.

Coming from the right front. Did the tire shuffle yesterday. No tire cupping.

[blbroo]

I remember my wheel bearing being more noticeable coasting downhill too. When I think of the sound, the place I remember is a downhill near my house.

Hear any grinding or have wiggle on that wheel when it's in the air?

[treginginco]

No grinding at all

- - - Updated - - -

No wheel wiggle

[blbroo]

All of your lower body pans / covers are on and secure? Just remembered that mine came loose once and gave me weird noises.

[treginginco]

Funny you should mention that as I recently had that big plastic/felt cover replaced.

[blbroo]

Funny you should mention that as I recently had that big plastic/felt cover replaced.

I bet it's flapping. Either it's loose, or the one you have now has enough slack in it to start slapping around.


This could be the second issue I've helped solve with loose belly pans.

http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...-Cooker-Noise-!

[mannyjfk]

Try rotating the tires to see if the noise goes where the front left tire goes.

[treginginco]

I bet it's flapping. Either it's loose, or the one you have now has enough slack in it to start slapping around.


This could be the second issue I've helped solve with loose belly pans.

http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...-Cooker-Noise-!

Great tip --- will get it checked out.

[tekmo]

I just had this and it was a front left wheel bearing on A3.

[treginginco]

I just had this and it was a front left wheel bearing on A3.

Fortunately.... I just talked to my Audi/VW guy (Hardey's Motorwerks) and if it is a wheel bearing ---- it's not that expensive.

[treginginco]

The AR is heading in to see Dr. Hardey next week ---- looks like it might be the right wheel bearing.

[BrewDude]

I thought I had a wheel bearing going on my BBS CH-R setup. Turns out it was the tires (Continental Extreme Contact DW's). Apparently I didn't notice the load rating when I purchased and more than likely did them in with the extra 200+ lbs the tires were not rated for vs. the car's weight. Put the stock tires/rims back on to confirm my theory, no noise at all.

Replaced the Conti's with the latest version of Continental Extreme Contact DWS 06's, so far so good. At least these are the correct load rating.

[treginginco]

It's official --- there is no mechanical issue with my AR. My Audi guy checked the entire front end --- axles, bearings, CV joints, transmission, AWD system is all in great shape. Belly pans good and tight.

Now.... will talk with my tire guys as that is the only thing left.