tyre noise

[adw555]

So I'm getting this rumbling/droning noise from the front of the car all of a sudden.....I was thinking a bearing but then it's not really noticable on new smooth tarmac..only older coarser stuff...this more likely to tyres then ?....would hate to have to renew..they are only 4 months old (and done 3k miles) and plenty of tread left :-(

[JonnyG]

What make of tyre have you got on ?

[adw555]

Bridgestone RE050 ....on the standard 17inch rims.......always had Bridgestones on the Subaru I had before the GTI..never has this bother before

[Cass]

If the noise isn't present all the time or gets worse when cornering, it's highly likely to be the tyres. Get the dealer to check it out though. I have 18" Dunlop Sport Maxx and they are very noisy on all but the smoothest road surfaces. Been this way since about 1000 miles

You could always drive the tread off them though, sell them or keep for a trackday

Cass

[Hurdy]

Just read the new performance car magazine (1st edition) and they have a GTI as a long termer. It is an 05reg which at 24k miles had to have the front wheel bearing done under warranty after he heard rumbling from the front of the car. So ADW555, your suspiscions may be founded. I'd take it down to the dealers and let them have a gander

[jonathonturner]

fist stop dealer...i ahve ultrac sessanta on mine now and the tyre noise is increased quite a bit from stock tyres ( forget what they were)..interestingly, mpg appears to be down also....marginally, but still down.

[adw555]

Thanks guys...it's booked in for Monday morning...and I have only a week of warranty left..so now's the time. No doubt they'll blame the tyres, but it's worth a go. As it gets louder on rougher surfaces I'm presuming it's not a bearing..but we'll see on monday...

[Hurdy]

If they say it is the tyres and then 2 weeks later you find out the bearings have gone, you'll need some proof that you were concerned before the warranty was up. I'd get proof of the fact you mentioned it to them!