Front axle noise when turning right

Hi,

I would like to describe a noise/problem I'm experiencing with my Golf 3 TDI (145,000 km):

In right-hand turns – starting at approximately 50 km/h – a constant, low-frequency humming sound, almost like a slight drone, emanates from the left (i.e., loaded) front tire.
Not when driving straight, and not when turning left.
However, even slight right-hand curves are sufficient.
What could be the cause?
I've already had the tire tested for imbalance. There is none. Furthermore, the noise occurs with both winter and summer tires.

I've had it for 20,000 km now, and the car is running normally.
However, it bothers me, and I don't want to cut corners on a vital part of the system.

It is important to note that this is not the common problem of a clicking sound when starting off with the front wheels turned, which usually indicates worn drive shafts.

Thank you for the cycling advice... uh, advice!

Could you please check the wheel bearings, both front and rear?

Test: Jack up the front wheel, hold it firmly with your hands on the top and bottom, and check for any play or looseness. Don't touch the left or right sides, then you'll have the tie rod included.

It must not wobble, or only wobble minimally.

I think I've heard similar noises in my Passat Variant (127,000 km), especially when taking right-hand turns, but also in left-hand turns, although the noise is less pronounced. Primarily audible in the speed range of 50-100 km/h.

I'll wait until next week to get the tires changed, but then I'll definitely try the test with jacking up the car!

Question: What should I do if the wheel starts wobbling too much? Is there anything that can be adjusted or tightened, or do parts need to be replaced?

Best regards,
Ralf.

Hello,

Unfortunately, it's not possible to reproduce the issue with the front wheel bearings.
To exchange them, the old ones must be removed and the new ones inserted.

Have you checked if any parts might be loose, perhaps in the area of the engine compartment on the left side? These could then come loose and, due to centrifugal force, hit other components when cornering. I had a similar problem where the exhaust pipe (due to a broken bracket) was rubbing against the body of the car due to centrifugal force, and I initially suspected the wheel bearing or the driveshaft.

Best regards, Alex.

Hi,

Thank you for the quick tips!

I will definitely do the wheel bearing test next time I have the chance - it's quite simple, at least for an initial diagnosis.

@AMB1980:
It might also be worth trying after the wheel bearing test.
However, I think it might be related to the front axle components, as a slight vibration in the steering wheel can sometimes be felt during the described right turns, although it's not comparable to the shaking caused by an imbalance.

Hello!

Also, here's the translation:

'Also, the wheel bearing on the left front side is also faulty.' It's not that expensive.
I just had it done at a VAG partner shop for about 100 EUR plus additional costs. VAT.

Best regards, D.

Hi,

I have now carried out the wheel bearing test that Varianti suggested.
Your tips seemed to be spot on!
There is indeed a slight amount of play noticeable when you shake the left front wheel.
However, since it was only a slight issue, I compared it by doing the same thing with the right front wheel - and lo and behold: everything was perfectly secure there.

What I'd like to know now is:
Is this an urgent repair?
I've been using that device for quite some time now...
I will definitely have the wheel bearing replaced, but I'm not sure exactly when yet.

Thanks, guys - you're great!

Markus H. wrote:

What I'd like to know now is: Is this an urgent repair? I've been dealing with that noise for quite some time now... I will definitely have the wheel bearing replaced, but I'm not sure exactly when yet. Thank you, guys - you're great!

... Okay, if you're eager to ruin your wheel, or potentially end up with a seized wheel bearing and a defective hub, then you might want to wait a little longer...

I wouldn't consider it a critical issue, but something similar has happened to my rally car before. And it's difficult to say exactly when it occurred. The longer you wait, the greater the chance...

Hi,

um... okay - I guess I'll probably get it done sooner rather than later!

Hello,

I've now also taken the Varianti test, but nothing has changed. However, when turning the right wheel, you can hear a slight clicking sound with each rotation, and the automotive mechanic said it's just the wheel bearing on the right side.

However, I wonder:

1. Why is there noise when turning left and right?

Should you really only replace a single wheel bearing, or is it better to replace both at the same time?

Regards,
Ralf.

Hello,

The Varianti test only works with worn-out wheel bearings.
"I've already had issues with both the left and right sides, and even then, I didn't notice any significant wobbling."
However, a "chrrrr" sound was audible during operation.
"With two new ones, you'll have peace of mind. In my A3, the left one failed at around 82,000 km, and the right one at around 100,000 km." Next time, I'll just replace both of them at the same time.

Best regards, Rainer.

Hi,

What does 'ausgeschlabbert' exactly mean?
Is the vehicle unsafe for road use because of this?
I actually have my wheel bearing replacement appointment scheduled for next Monday, but I still need the car until then.

P.S.: I'm the one whose 'Varianti test' worked, meaning that, in my case, the left front wheel is slightly loose.

Hello Markus H.,

Okay, I think you can probably drive with a wheel bearing problem for quite some time. The main thing is the noise is annoying, but in that case, you can just turn up the music a little .

Will you then have both tires replaced next Monday, or just the one that's defective?

Regards,
Ralf.

RalfBru wrote:

Hello Markus H., Okay, I think you can probably drive with a wheel bearing problem for quite some time. The main thing is the noise is annoying, but in that case, you can just turn up the music a little . Will you then have both tires replaced next Monday, or just the one that's defective? Regards, Ralf

Hello Ralf,

The left wheel bearing was largely replaced free of charge for me. Since the appointment at the workshop was about 2 weeks away, I drove quite a bit beforehand, including a few hundred kilometers on the highway (around 300 km) at speeds above 160 km/h.
The workshop said that the wheel bearing housing was also damaged because the bearing had corroded and probably spun freely inside the housing for a short time.
The left wheel bearing housing also had to be replaced, but I didn't see the parts myself (presumably to increase sales?).
I changed the right side myself, but after the initial noises, I drove about 250 km slower. The casing was still okay here.
Financially, even with the goodwill gesture, replacing the wheel bearing was still almost twice as expensive as installing it myself on the other side. The time I spent doing the wheel bearing replacement myself was offset by two visits to the workshop and several trips using public transportation. Learned something new again .

Best regards, Rainer.

Hi,

@Ralf:
I also take the issue of loud music seriously, even with campsites that are in good condition .
I actually just wanted to have the defective (left) bearing replaced.
Since this time I'm visiting a small, independent workshop for the first time, which has a good reputation in the area (I'm tired of the 'Grummel-Service' from VW), I'm going to discuss with the master mechanic what he thinks about replacing both tires. I think you can even get honest answers there...


@Rainer K.:
I've had this noise for a VERY long time - see my first post - and it hasn't gotten any worse since I drove those many thousands of kilometers.
Apparently, the saying 'even a fool can do some things right' applies to me, because the wheel is running perfectly fine, except for the noise.
It only makes noise when turning. It's probably even worse if it 'grinds' when running straight.
But I'll find out more details on Monday .