Any help with a grinding noise?

[Jbrom1992]

I've got a MK4 1.8T and have a sort of grinding/whirring noise.

It usually kicks in as I hit 50/60 and then carrys on as I come off the accelerator. Can't feel anything through the steering wheel and no problem changing gears.

Any bright ideas what it could be? Gearbox has been mentioned in other posts, but I'm also thinking wheel bearings? I jacked up the front and there's a little bit of play in the front wheels from side to side.

Thanks very much!

[Tezmax]

To be honest there`s a huge difference between grinding and whirring. Grinding will end badly unless found soon. Whirring will probably be wheel bearings seen as it starts at a certain speed.