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Model specific boards => Golf mk4 => Topic started by: cromwell on 22 March 2016, 07:41
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Hi- I've got a 2001 Mk.4 2 litre. Recently changed the rear brake discs and pads. Now I have noticed a droning sound coming from rear nearside. I have checked the brakes, all seems ok (plus just had MOT-all fine).
The droning isn't noticeable at low speeds, just at high speeds on motorway- the faster I go, the louder it becomes. The brake change may have nothing to do with it, although the pad on the rear nearside wheel (where the noise seems to be coming from) had completely gone and written off the disc, hence the change.
Thought perhaps wheel bearing?
Any advice much appreciated.
Thanks
James
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The wheel bearing would be a good place to start...jack up that wheel and give it a spin and wriggle test.
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I'm guessing you sorted the problem.
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Hi- not sorted yet! I'll do the 'spin and wriggle' test at the weekend. I take it that if the wheel doesn't rotate as freely as the other one, and if there's more 'wriggle play' than the other wheel, then it's a fairly safe bet that it' the wheel bearing at fault?
Cheers
James
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Pretty much...it should spin freely, without any sound, although sometimes you will hear it just lightly touching the brake pads. You can sometimes detect a grumbly feeling, rather than a sound if you hold your hand on the wheel as you rotate it. Any wriggle play, as you've mentioned, is a good indicator.
Sometimes it happens that the bearings are merely loose and removal, repacking with the correct grease and refitting to the correct torque can cure the problem, but I would rather replace them both to be sure. I've not long cured the same problem on my wifes car....sound totally disappeared. Cost me about 30 pounds and an hours work.
Hope that helps you.
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Thanks Bazz. I'll let you know how I get on.
Cheers
James
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Any joy with that problem mate?
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I have the same problem it's coming from the rear right and gets worse when turning left I've just had the wheel bearing replaced and two new tyres and no change, it's at its worse at 60mph and stops at 70 and starts at 40, any ideas?
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Just a small question...you mention 'wheel bearing'(singular)...was it only one, or both? As you probably know, there are two bearings in each rear hub. Not everyone is so pedantic, but I change/replace all four of them at the same time.
It's not a 4motion is it?...other things to consider, if it is.
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I only had one side replaced and that's the side making the noise, I never knew there was two per side? It's a 2002 1.8t, not 4mo
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That's fine...yes, there is an inner and an outer bearing in each hub. Did you do the work yourself, or was it a proper workshop? It's very important that the stub axle shows no sign of wear because that would mean that a failed bearing has been turning on the axle itself (a big no no) and even a new bearing will have little chance of surviving very long. A really good clean, followed by generous amounts of hi-temp bearing grease as it's all being put back together would be a good help. The correct torque settings on the big nut is essential.
Not trying to teach you to suck eggs and I hope that the above is helpful.
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Hi Bazz- re. my original post- jacked car up- no real 'wriggle play' detected, but the rear nearside wheel didn't seem to rotate quite as freely as the offside- not a huge difference though. It did also seem slightly noisier when spinning.
The drone sound has increased in volume when driving over the last few days and is now much louder at speed, and also the noise is apparent at lower speed now.
Does this all point to the bearings on the nearside do you think? If so- what do you advise? Clean and re-pack or just replace? Not done wheel bearing change before either- relatively straight-forward job or PITA? Do you know a link to a good guide?
Thanks very much.
Cheers
James
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Hi James...it seems to be pointing at the n/s wheel bearing because the wheel should rotate freely and silently...the fact that it's getting worse is cause for prompt action. Personally, I wouldn't bother with the clean and repack exercise as it sounds (no pun intended) like it's gone too far for that.
If you have a reasonable workshop at home, the job is pretty easy and there are any number of You Tube videos you can watch to help you through the process. Obviously a local mechanic/workshop should be able to do it for you without a fuss. A tip to save you some cash, if you outsource the job...remove the hub yourself, give it a clean and then take it to the repair shop...if you have the new bearings at hand, the job will be much quicker and cheaper. Some bearings will pop straight out with a little help with a brass drift (or a six inch section of broom handle) and go back just as easily, but I've had some which needed a hydraulic press.
Sorry I can't help with a link, but I'm sure someone on here can point you in the right direction.
Give some thought to doing both sides at the same time...might save you some time down the line a bit.
Lets know how you go. :wink:
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https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=changing+rear+wheel+bearings+on+vw+golf
This page should help you.
:smiley:
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Ok, great. Thanks for the advice and link. I'll let you know how I get on.
Cheers
James
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the wheel bearings on the mk4 come as 1 piece not like the mk3 and mk2 1s that you have to grease yourself and then assemble in the hub.
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Ok, great. Thanks for the advice and link. I'll let you know how I get on.
Cheers
James
I would be checking for a seized piston in the brake calliper if one side has worn down more than the other. it might run quiet when it is cold but as the disc heats and expands everything will start binding and give you a droning sound. them alloy callipers are very prone to corrosion around the piston seals.
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How did you get on with this problem James?
Sorted yet?
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Might not cover all the symptoms/scenarios you guys are having, but the inner edge of the tyres can often wear a bit peculiar and effectively become stepped, this also causes such noises. Run your hand around the edge and feel for steps between the treads.
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Hi Bazz- finally got around to sorting this today- been using the missus' car lately.
Bearings and hub came in one piece from GSF which made the job easier and I bought a decent gear puller and separator to tackle the job. All went fine- inner race was stuck on as expected, but separator pulled it off no problem. A test drive seemed to indicate that it's sorted.
Thanks once again for your help.
Cheers
James
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Glad it worked out for you mate.
To be fair, the comments and suggestions made by the other guys are perfectly valid and may help others in the future. :smiley: