Thanks for the update Agreeable Slick, much appreciated and sounds like you've had a result! My story is a little different...... So, on Monday took the car to the local, reputable, great reviews independent VW garage who looked it over. After a test drive they called to say they could hear a whirring, even at 40mph but couldn't identify exactly where it was coming from although on balance would say rear NS wheel. Once back at the garage, the only issue they could find was worn rear brake disc/pads which rubbed slightly creating a slight grinding noise. They said this could be amplified at speed and suggested to get them replaced. Knowing that they needed doing in the next few months I bit the bullet and got them done. Alas, noise still there! They then suggested looking at the wheel bearing but after being somewhat aghast at the £390 for the brakes and quote of £330 for a rear wheel bearing I declined and said I'd think about it. £390 was a bit steep in my book for OEM discs/pads as was £330 for the bearing, need I ask if all out there thinks the same?
So next, I called the garage where I take the wife's 2005 Honda Jazz. They did the rear wheel bearing for £153 whilst I waited, now I thought I was getting somewhere! Yes, the whirring was decreased but not whisper quiet as I hoped.
So next, being today. Had 4 new Goodyear Eagle F1's fitted and the wheel alignment checked on a Hunter Hawkeye Elite. Wheel alignment slightly out and now all within VW spec.
Has the whirring noise gone?
?? Well, I assumed that the car would be whisper quiet as Agreeable Slick mentions in his post, but the whirring is still there, albeit much reduced, but still there! Maybe I'm expecting too much, any ideas???