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Model specific boards => Golf mk7 => Topic started by: Watts on 31 January 2017, 14:54

Title: Droning from the rear
Post by: Watts on 31 January 2017, 14:54
Not me for once I hasten to add  :embarrassed:

My GTI has been droning from the back somewhere on and off for a week or two. At first I thought it was differences in road surfaces but it's all the time now and in reality probably some surfaces were quieter than others so it may have only seemed intermittent. I've done 14.5k miles now, could it be the rear tyres? Theres plenty of tread on them as far as I can see, could it be the inside edges? Any and all good suggestions welcomed!
Title: Re: Droning from the rear
Post by: a9wyn on 31 January 2017, 15:13
You could try swapping the wheels round (rear to front) if the noise is transferred to the front  then you'll know its the wheels /tyres and my bet it will be the tyres?
Title: Re: Droning from the rear
Post by: fredgroves on 31 January 2017, 15:34
I had this - worn feathered inside edges on the rear tyres.... seem to remember they had about 47000 miles on them but still about 4mm of tread.

Swapped them out, noise gone.
Title: Re: Droning from the rear
Post by: Watts on 31 January 2017, 16:11
Thanks both, was intending to swap the wheels around to help even the wear, weather dependent then I'll try and do that tomorrow. Could well do without any more expense right now, both cars needing expensive repairs, sofa just been fixed and needs paying for, credit card bill, etc etc... :rolleyes:
Title: Re: Droning from the rear
Post by: dave7268 on 31 January 2017, 17:19
I had this on my Mk6 Golf.

If the inside edge of your rear tyres have a sawtooth feel to them then that is what is causing the problem - you rears need realignment.

I got a 4 wheel realignment done on the car and that solved the problem.
Title: Re: Droning from the rear
Post by: fredgroves on 31 January 2017, 17:28
It could be alignment with that low amount of mileage. With mine it was just to be expected really after 47k!

Bloody hard wearing tombstones...
Title: Re: Droning from the rear
Post by: Watts on 31 January 2017, 17:29
I had this on my Mk6 Golf.

If the inside edge of your rear tyres have a sawtooth feel to them then that is what is causing the problem - you rears need realignment.

I got a 4 wheel realignment done on the car and that solved the problem.

Cheers dave, there's some hope for my wallet then! I'll still get them swapped round but will look to get an alignment check too.
Title: Re: Droning from the rear
Post by: I wanted a GTi on 31 January 2017, 19:16
Isn't that what they call cupping. I was told to change mine front to back on the CC every 5k miles. I did try it but changing the wheels every month was a right pain so I gave up.
Title: Re: Droning from the rear
Post by: fredgroves on 31 January 2017, 19:19
Years ago you used to swap tyres diagonally to wear them evenly
Title: Re: Droning from the rear
Post by: tonydon41 on 31 January 2017, 20:32
I came across this thread because I thought I had a problem with a rear wheel bearing but after reading it now I'm not so sure.
I recently gave a mechanic friend a lift and he noticed a rumble from the rear and commented that a wheel bearing needed changing.
At the same time the car developed an unrelated problem with the steering feeling sticky when driving in a straight line. I took the car into my local VW dealer and a technician test drove it and confirmed that something was wrong with both the steering and a wheel bearing and that it needed to be booked in for at least 2 days with them.
The earliest they could provide a courtesy car for 2 days was 15th Feb, over 3 weeks after my initial visit!
Since then the noise has got much louder and I'm starting to worry about it being unsafe and not lasting until 15th Feb?
The car is a 2 year old GTD that's done 40k miles and is still on the original rear tyres.
Any advice would be appreciated.
Title: Re: Droning from the rear
Post by: fredgroves on 31 January 2017, 22:20
The feathering is easy to see...
Title: Re: Droning from the rear
Post by: SRGTD on 01 February 2017, 09:15
I had it on a mk5 Golf. It got quite noisy and as fredgroves says, it was easy to see (and feel).
Title: Re: Droning from the rear
Post by: Watts on 01 February 2017, 15:34
Bugger. Wheels swapped round (and cleaned along with the calipers), no sign of any unusual wear to the tyres, infact the wear was incredibly even. But still the droning goes on....

Got it booked into the dealer to investigate.
Title: Re: Droning from the rear
Post by: Raffe on 01 February 2017, 19:11
Sounds like a wheel bearing, I had this on the front n/s of our R just before Christmas.

No issues with VW replacing it under warranty, dropped car off in morning and all sorted by lunchtime.
Title: Re: Droning from the rear
Post by: Finglonga on 01 February 2017, 19:36
Had the same problem with mine, the Bridgestones were down to 3mm as soon as they were replaced the noise went completely. It was that loud before it was uncomfortable on long trips and did sound like a wheel bearing but slightly changed tone on different road surfaces.
Title: Re: Droning from the rear
Post by: Watts on 01 February 2017, 21:16
Sounds like a wheel bearing, I had this on the front n/s of our R just before Christmas.

No issues with VW replacing it under warranty, dropped car off in morning and all sorted by lunchtime.

Thanks Raffe, that's what I think too. It was worth ruling out the tyres first though. It's going to drive me mad until it's fixed, going to be 3 or more weeks :sad:
Title: Re: Droning from the rear
Post by: fredgroves on 02 February 2017, 10:48
Had the same problem with mine, the Bridgestones were down to 3mm as soon as they were replaced the noise went completely. It was that loud before it was uncomfortable on long trips and did sound like a wheel bearing but slightly changed tone on different road surfaces.

Yep, that's what I experienced.
Title: Re: Droning from the rear
Post by: Watts on 10 February 2017, 13:26
Had my tyres checked out at a reliable garage today - tyres all absolutely fine but both offside wheels slightly buckled. Nothing too much to worry about but a pot hole could've damaged a bearing. Brakes were all fine as in no dragging so is looking highly likely to be a wheel bearing. Got to wait another 11 days though for VW to take a look.
Title: Re: Droning from the rear
Post by: mcmaddy on 10 February 2017, 13:47
I've got a droning humming type noise that sounds like it's from the front but surely with only 1450 miles on the clock the alignment can't be out!!
Title: Re: Droning from the rear
Post by: Raffe on 10 February 2017, 13:59
Had my tyres checked out at a reliable garage today - tyres all absolutely fine but both offside wheels slightly buckled. Nothing too much to worry about but a pot hole could've damaged a bearing. Brakes were all fine as in no dragging so is looking highly likely to be a wheel bearing. Got to wait another 11 days though for VW to take a look.

My wife went through a deep pothole in the summer in our car, wheel and tyres all ok but I am suspecting the contributing factor to the wheel bearing going.
Title: Re: Droning from the rear
Post by: Watts on 10 February 2017, 14:06
You wouldn't have thought so but like mine could be a duff bearing? Saw a video that said if you do a few sharp turns whilst you have the noise and it goes away it's likely a front bearing (as the weight lifts off the wheel slightly). The garage asked if I recalled hitting a pot hole but frankly it's a near daily occurence these days :rolleyes: I love my 19s but wonder if I'd be better off on 18s just to give the wheels that little bit more padding from thicker tyres?

My wife went through a deep pothole in the summer in our car, wheel and tyres all ok but I am suspecting the contributing factor to the wheel bearing going.

Does sound plausible. The chap in the garage did comment though on VW wheel bearings wearing earlier than they used to so perhaps they are less robust and prone to damage.
Title: Re: Droning from the rear
Post by: p3asa on 10 February 2017, 14:45
I've got a droning humming type noise that sounds like it's from the front but surely with only 1450 miles on the clock the alignment can't be out!!


Its either on here or one of the Audi boards that I read that cars coming from the factory are frequently off so its not entirely impossible.
Title: Re: Droning from the rear
Post by: mcmaddy on 10 February 2017, 14:54
When it's freezing or very cold temperatures do people adjust Tyre pressures accordingly or just go with what's on sticker no matter what temperature?
Title: Re: Droning from the rear
Post by: Watts on 10 February 2017, 15:45
I keep mine to spec but obviously when it's cold pressures drop so a little more air is needed. Having said that, I've been relying on the TPMS a bit too much and haven't checked recently.... Will let them cool a bit and check after a nice hot cuppa :smiley:
Title: Re: Droning from the rear
Post by: mcmaddy on 10 February 2017, 16:12
I checked mine last weekend and they were spot on and then forgot to reset the system! Only problem with tpms is that if all wheels drop by the same pressure you won't get a warning.
Title: Re: Droning from the rear
Post by: Watts on 10 February 2017, 16:22
Just checked and fronts were both bang on at 2.8, rears both down by 0.1. Not really going to cause any noise. Just hope a bearing doesn't give up before my booking to look at them :rolleyes:
Title: Re: Droning from the rear
Post by: Eccie on 10 February 2017, 16:51


My GTI has been droning from the back somewhere on and off for a week or two.

Has your wife been sat in the back seat - or have you got her in the boot :laugh:


I'll get my coat & not bang the door on the way out.............. :whistle:
Title: Re: Droning from the rear
Post by: Watts on 10 February 2017, 16:57


My GTI has been droning from the back somewhere on and off for a week or two.

Has your wife been sat in the back seat - or have you got her in the boot :laugh:


I'll get my coat & not bang the door on the way out.............. :whistle:

That'd been a droning from the nearside front :whistle:
Title: Re: Droning from the rear
Post by: I wanted a GTi on 10 February 2017, 17:05
You wouldn't have thought so but like mine could be a duff bearing? Saw a video that said if you do a few sharp turns whilst you have the noise and it goes away it's likely a front bearing (as the weight lifts off the wheel slightly). The garage asked if I recalled hitting a pot hole but frankly it's a near daily occurence these days :rolleyes: I love my 19s but wonder if I'd be better off on 18s just to give the wheels that little bit more padding from thicker tyres?

If you fancy a swap with a mine when I get the car I'd be interested, car has 6 miles on it :whistle:
Title: Re: Droning from the rear
Post by: mcmaddy on 10 February 2017, 17:11
Just checked and fronts were both bang on at 2.8, rears both down by 0.1. Not really going to cause any noise. Just hope a bearing doesn't give up before my booking to look at them :rolleyes:
2.8?? Both front and rear on mine say 2.5.
Title: Re: Droning from the rear
Post by: Watts on 10 February 2017, 18:09
You wouldn't have thought so but like mine could be a duff bearing? Saw a video that said if you do a few sharp turns whilst you have the noise and it goes away it's likely a front bearing (as the weight lifts off the wheel slightly). The garage asked if I recalled hitting a pot hole but frankly it's a near daily occurence these days :rolleyes: I love my 19s but wonder if I'd be better off on 18s just to give the wheels that little bit more padding from thicker tyres?

If you fancy a swap with a mine when I get the car I'd be interested, car has 6 miles on it :whistle:

I think you'd be out of pocket on that one - 4 new wheels and tyres for 4 used, 2 of them buckled, 3 scuffed and 4 (albeit evenly) worn tyres. Actually, hang on a minute :laugh:
Title: Re: Droning from the rear
Post by: Watts on 10 February 2017, 18:12
Just checked and fronts were both bang on at 2.8, rears both down by 0.1. Not really going to cause any noise. Just hope a bearing doesn't give up before my booking to look at them :rolleyes:
2.8?? Both front and rear on mine say 2.5.

2.8 is what it states on the sticker on the door pillar - 2.5 is for 18s not 19s.
Title: Re: Droning from the rear
Post by: mcmaddy on 10 February 2017, 18:14
Ah that's why. I've got the 18s not 19s but I would still expect the pressures too be the same though.
Title: Re: Droning from the rear
Post by: I wanted a GTi on 10 February 2017, 18:37
You wouldn't have thought so but like mine could be a duff bearing? Saw a video that said if you do a few sharp turns whilst you have the noise and it goes away it's likely a front bearing (as the weight lifts off the wheel slightly). The garage asked if I recalled hitting a pot hole but frankly it's a near daily occurence these days :rolleyes: I love my 19s but wonder if I'd be better off on 18s just to give the wheels that little bit more padding from thicker tyres?

If you fancy a swap with a mine when I get the car I'd be interested, car has 6 miles on it :whistle:

I think you'd be out of pocket on that one - 4 new wheels and tyres for 4 used, 2 of them buckled, 3 scuffed and 4 (albeit evenly) worn tyres. Actually, hang on a minute :laugh:

Ah right, might pass in that case. I wouldn't mind the scuffs because I would probably get them painted all one colour, likewise the tyres because I'm sure the Pirelli are better than the ditch finders but the buckled wheel would be a steep to far.

Anyone on here good at photoshop?
Title: Re: Droning from the rear
Post by: Watts on 17 February 2017, 10:21
Had the car in at the garage this morning for an emergency check up as I was concerned that a bearing could fail imminently. Can't fault the garage, Lookers in Hersham, the workshop was heaving but they got a technician out within a couple of minutes to take a look. A quick spin around the block, brief look at the tyres and a few questions and he was happy it was safe to drive for now so I'll just keep to my appointment on Tuesday. He did say though checking the bearings was going to be difficult as there is no drive to the rear wheels to get them spinning on the lift - I suggested they get themselves a big strong hamster to get it going...
Title: Re: Droning from the rear
Post by: gtiaps on 17 February 2017, 10:42
Had the car in at the garage this morning for an emergency check up as I was concerned that a bearing could fail imminently. Can't fault the garage, Lookers in Hersham, the workshop was heaving but they got a technician out within a couple of minutes to take a look. A quick spin around the block, brief look at the tyres and a few questions and he was happy it was safe to drive for now so I'll just keep to my appointment on Tuesday. He did say though checking the bearings was going to be difficult as there is no drive to the rear wheels to get them spinning on the lift - I suggested they get themselves a big strong hamster to get it going...

Glad it'd ok to drive for now Watts as for the hamster they ought to get a couple of big guinea pigs lol
Title: Re: Droning from the rear
Post by: Watts on 17 February 2017, 11:01
Had the car in at the garage this morning for an emergency check up as I was concerned that a bearing could fail imminently. Can't fault the garage, Lookers in Hersham, the workshop was heaving but they got a technician out within a couple of minutes to take a look. A quick spin around the block, brief look at the tyres and a few questions and he was happy it was safe to drive for now so I'll just keep to my appointment on Tuesday. He did say though checking the bearings was going to be difficult as there is no drive to the rear wheels to get them spinning on the lift - I suggested they get themselves a big strong hamster to get it going...

Glad it'd ok to drive for now Watts as for the hamster they ought to get a couple of big guinea pigs lol

Maybe they could act like a tag team :laugh:
Title: Re: Droning from the rear
Post by: mcmaddy on 17 February 2017, 11:28
I think it's the front bearings on mine.
Title: Re: Droning from the rear
Post by: I wanted a GTi on 17 February 2017, 12:33
Had the car in at the garage this morning for an emergency check up as I was concerned that a bearing could fail imminently. Can't fault the garage, Lookers in Hersham, the workshop was heaving but they got a technician out within a couple of minutes to take a look. A quick spin around the block, brief look at the tyres and a few questions and he was happy it was safe to drive for now so I'll just keep to my appointment on Tuesday. He did say though checking the bearings was going to be difficult as there is no drive to the rear wheels to get them spinning on the lift - I suggested they get themselves a big strong hamster to get it going...

I guess that's why they are called technicians and not mechanics, can you imagine going into a garage 20 years or more ago and the mechanic saying 'it's going to be difficult to check the rear bearings because there is no drive to the rear wheels'? Was he a junior tech, as in first day on the job?
Title: Re: Droning from the rear
Post by: Watts on 17 February 2017, 15:19
Had the car in at the garage this morning for an emergency check up as I was concerned that a bearing could fail imminently. Can't fault the garage, Lookers in Hersham, the workshop was heaving but they got a technician out within a couple of minutes to take a look. A quick spin around the block, brief look at the tyres and a few questions and he was happy it was safe to drive for now so I'll just keep to my appointment on Tuesday. He did say though checking the bearings was going to be difficult as there is no drive to the rear wheels to get them spinning on the lift - I suggested they get themselves a big strong hamster to get it going...

I guess that's why they are called technicians and not mechanics, can you imagine going into a garage 20 years or more ago and the mechanic saying 'it's going to be difficult to check the rear bearings because there is no drive to the rear wheels'? Was he a junior tech, as in first day on the job?

I suppose it's because the computer can't tell them what to do. Still, the fact that he said it goes to prove that they do go early these days. Last time I had wheel bearings changed on a car was my 1978 Capri when it was 10+ years old. They really do things on the cheap these days :rolleyes:
Title: Re: Droning from the rear
Post by: I wanted a GTi on 17 February 2017, 18:15
Had the car in at the garage this morning for an emergency check up as I was concerned that a bearing could fail imminently. Can't fault the garage, Lookers in Hersham, the workshop was heaving but they got a technician out within a couple of minutes to take a look. A quick spin around the block, brief look at the tyres and a few questions and he was happy it was safe to drive for now so I'll just keep to my appointment on Tuesday. He did say though checking the bearings was going to be difficult as there is no drive to the rear wheels to get them spinning on the lift - I suggested they get themselves a big strong hamster to get it going...

I guess that's why they are called technicians and not mechanics, can you imagine going into a garage 20 years or more ago and the mechanic saying 'it's going to be difficult to check the rear bearings because there is no drive to the rear wheels'? Was he a junior tech, as in first day on the job?

I suppose it's because the computer can't tell them what to do. Still, the fact that he said it goes to prove that they do go early these days. Last time I had wheel bearings changed on a car was my 1978 Capri when it was 10+ years old. They really do things on the cheap these days :rolleyes:

Last time I had a bearing go was front right, XR3i

Things can't have changed that much. To check a wheel bearing you jack the car up and spin the wheel around to check for a rumble, then hold wheel at 12 and 6 o'clock and see if there is movement in the wheel and on rear wheels you can also hold it at 9 and 3 o'clock. 
Title: Re: Droning from the rear
Post by: Watts on 17 February 2017, 18:56
Had the car in at the garage this morning for an emergency check up as I was concerned that a bearing could fail imminently. Can't fault the garage, Lookers in Hersham, the workshop was heaving but they got a technician out within a couple of minutes to take a look. A quick spin around the block, brief look at the tyres and a few questions and he was happy it was safe to drive for now so I'll just keep to my appointment on Tuesday. He did say though checking the bearings was going to be difficult as there is no drive to the rear wheels to get them spinning on the lift - I suggested they get themselves a big strong hamster to get it going...

I guess that's why they are called technicians and not mechanics, can you imagine going into a garage 20 years or more ago and the mechanic saying 'it's going to be difficult to check the rear bearings because there is no drive to the rear wheels'? Was he a junior tech, as in first day on the job?

I suppose it's because the computer can't tell them what to do. Still, the fact that he said it goes to prove that they do go early these days. Last time I had wheel bearings changed on a car was my 1978 Capri when it was 10+ years old. They really do things on the cheap these days :rolleyes:

Last time I had a bearing go was front right, XR3i

Things can't have changed that much. To check a wheel bearing you jack the car up and spin the wheel around to check for a rumble, then hold wheel at 12 and 6 o'clock and see if there is movement in the wheel and on rear wheels you can also hold it at 9 and 3 o'clock.

That's what I'd have done too. You really would think it'd be like that still but in fairness I haven't wielded a spanner with intent much for many a year.
Title: Re: Droning from the rear
Post by: lemski on 17 February 2017, 19:13
Easy way to check a bearing is chack it up and spin it while touching your hand on the spring. If its rough youll feel it through spring.
If its f**ked grab the top and bottom of the wheel and see it it moves in and out
Title: Re: Droning from the rear
Post by: Watts on 21 February 2017, 13:43
Been to the dealers today and they have confirmed the rear offside bearing is kaput. So booked in for it to be done under warranty next week. And they didn't wash my car as instructed :smiley: Also going to get them to look at my sticky filler cap door.
Title: Re: Droning from the rear
Post by: mcmaddy on 21 February 2017, 14:39
Got mine going in on Monday but noise appears to be fronts.
Title: Re: Droning from the rear
Post by: Watts on 21 February 2017, 15:04
Got mine going in on Monday but noise appears to be fronts.

Have they confirmed it's a bearing? I think mine was damaged by hitting a pothole as both wheels on that side are slightly buckled. There's a massive one just round the corner positioned so it's difficult to avoid plus it's deep with a sharp edge, I've definitely hit that one a few times but there are loads of them everywhere now. A Chieftan tank would seem to be the only safe bet for modern driving conditions :rolleyes:
Title: Re: Droning from the rear
Post by: fredgroves on 21 February 2017, 15:22
A Chieftan tank would seem to be the only safe bet for modern driving conditions :rolleyes:

It would probably throw a track with some of the potholes round here!
Title: Re: Droning from the rear
Post by: Watts on 21 February 2017, 15:26
A Chieftan tank would seem to be the only safe bet for modern driving conditions :rolleyes:

It would probably throw a track with some of the potholes round here!

One of those bridge laying versions might be best, be able to cross even the worst of potholes :laugh:
Title: Re: Droning from the rear
Post by: kalimon on 21 February 2017, 15:30
Got mine going in on Monday but noise appears to be fronts.

Have they confirmed it's a bearing? I think mine was damaged by hitting a pothole as both wheels on that side are slightly buckled. There's a massive one just round the corner positioned so it's difficult to avoid plus it's deep with a sharp edge, I've definitely hit that one a few times but there are loads of them everywhere now. A Chieftan tank would seem to be the only safe bet for modern driving conditions :rolleyes:
The more I read about buckled Santiagos, the more I'm relieved I went with the Austins  :smiley:
Title: Re: Droning from the rear
Post by: Watts on 21 February 2017, 16:28
I do wonder if it'd be easier with 18s, but every time I see them they just look so good :kiss:

Might feel a bit different when I have to cough up for new tyres though :rolleyes:
Title: Re: Droning from the rear
Post by: mcmaddy on 21 February 2017, 17:21
They haven't confirmed definitely yet but the tech managed to hear the whining/humming noise I've been hearing.
Title: Re: Droning from the rear
Post by: Watts on 02 March 2017, 17:35
Had my rear offside wheel bearing changed today under warranty, all lovely and quiet again :smiley: Garage was good to their word and had it all sorted by 2 plus quick and efficient with a courtesy call too. Also didn't wash my car as requested. The only slight marring to an otherwise perfect marking was that my radio channel had been changed and the volume adjusted - now why would they need to do that...... Unfortunately I forgot to note the mileage when I dropped it off but they must've done a few as although the fuel was low it was above the last quarter but the low fuel bong went off as soon as I pulled away :angry:

I shall be more careful to make notes in future :rolleyes:
Title: Re: Droning from the rear
Post by: Raffe on 02 March 2017, 18:09
Good result, thought it was the wheel bearing  :wink:
Title: Re: Droning from the rear
Post by: Watts on 02 March 2017, 18:29
Good result, thought it was the wheel bearing  :wink:

You certainly did!
Title: Re: Droning from the rear
Post by: Raffe on 24 March 2017, 19:20
But noone likes a smart arse  :grin: