new to the forum (hello!) plus lingering issue with my 1.8T

[GeorgeJoshington]

Hello all,

Been a lurker here for a while, and finally decided to join.

You guys seem like a knowledgable bunch, so perhaps someone can help me with a problem...

I have a 2000 1.8t and for a while now I've been experiencing a metallic spinning sound from (i think) the rear drivers side wheel. I've taken it to various garages and have had various things done to it (brake pads, suspension coils, rear axle bushes), but nothing has gotten rid of this horrible noise. It almost sounds like a slightly far-away pneumatic drill! I'd say it only happens at lower speeds but due to the louder noise when travelling at higher speeds I can't be sure.

I've had it up on the ramp and when the wheel is being spun by itself there's no noise - it only seems to happen when i'm actually driving the car. Doesn't seem to be related to when i'm going round corners particularly, just happens all the time...

It's definitely related to the wheel going round - like something is loose and something's catching on it at points when the wheel spins. Bearing? Wheel alignment? Brake discs? Anyone experienced anything like this before?

Thanks in advance...

[T_J_G]

Bearing?

[mattkh]

I've taken it to various garages
Thanks in advance...

Hi
Did the sound reproduce itself when the garages tested it ?

[GeorgeJoshington]

I've taken it to various garages
Thanks in advance...

Hi
Did the sound reproduce itself when the garages tested it ?

I don't know. I've tried to impress upon them that there's a noise but they seem reluctant to come out for a drive with me to test it and when they drive it 50 yards up the road they seem unable to hear anything. It's very frustrating - there is most definitely a loud horrible noise whenever I drive it.

[jonnyturbo]

I am guessing wheel bearing mate

[Ben_1uk]

It sounds like a wheel bearing to me. Perhaps it could be a sticky brake caliper..? Don't the brake discs have a metal shield to protect them from mud and crap? Maybe this is slightly distorted / bent... I'm sure I've read here, or somewhere else, of someone having a similar problem and this was the cause of the problem.

Hope you get it sorted soon.

[GeorgeJoshington]

Thanks for the replies, guys, it's been really doing my head in and it sounds so horrible that I get the feeling something rather unpleasant is happening down there.

I'll pop it back to the garage this week and refuse to take no for an answer until they can diagnose the issue. I'll suggest wheel bearing and also the brake caliper...

[mattkh]

...and it sounds so horrible

Hi
Is there any way you can record the sound and put up a video for us.

[benday007]

Just a question, have you had new rear pads recently? Is there corrosion on the rear disc? you may find that the Rear Pads may be rubbing on some corrosion on he discs (maybe not all the time) causing a metalic sound.

You could considering having the corrosion ground off the disc's (cheaper), or replacing rear pads and discs (more expensive), I would not be suprised if the Rear Wheel bearings are built into the discs anyways! some1 here will know!!!

[alex160]

Just a question, have you had new rear pads recently? Is there corrosion on the rear disc? you may find that the Rear Pads may be rubbing on some corrosion on he discs (maybe not all the time) causing a metalic sound.

You could considering having the corrosion ground off the disc's (cheaper), or replacing rear pads and discs (more expensive), I would not be suprised if the Rear Wheel bearings are built into the discs anyways! some1 here will know!!!

The wheel bearings are not built into the rear brake discs, most likely sticking brake caliper or as said wheel bearing, jack the vehicle up and spin up both rear wheels and check for any wear/play.