Strange wheel/engine noise

[MK4_Golf_20VT]

Noticed a knocking from passenger side wheel area so jacked it up today to see if i could see anything obvious or loose etc.

Turned the wheel which had some play in it, don't know if this is normal or not ? anyway when i span the wheel this awful sound happens so i uploaded this video for someone to hopefully enlighten me on this if possible.

http://youtu.be/n9Hfz-Q1VCI

I dont know what this is and it sounds unhealthy anyway!

[Nino]

Sounds like a wheel bearing is gone to me

[MK4_Golf_20VT]

Thats what i thought hearing the first clunking on there but theres no play in the wheel when i try twist it just when i rock it back and forth. And the loud noise after that sounds like its coming from nearer the engine 

[Nino]

A worn wheel bearing will give play when you rock the wheel

[MK4_Golf_20VT]

ah i see, since youve listened to the vid any idea what the loud grinding noise is when i spin the wheel ?

[Nino]

Hard to say really, prob just the wheel baring but could be the drive shaft?

[MK4_Golf_20VT]

Thats what i thought it could be but never heard that sound before so i couldnt tell, is it an expensive job to do a driveshaft

[MoshiMoshi]

Thats what mine did when it needed a new wheel bearing. Try that first, it doesn't cost much, If I recall it was about £70 for it, labour included.

[MK4_Golf_20VT]

Ok i will thanks , still safe to drive is it ? Gotta go from grimsby to bournemouth at the weekend and its a long drive!!

[MoshiMoshi]

I wouldn't advise it, any play in the bearing puts unwanted, extra strain on the entire bearing/hub. I wouldn't want to drive far. You could get a part ordered and have it sorted in 2 days. I'd advise fixing it before the drive. A wheel coming off will cost you a lot more than the bearing