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Droning noise

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Jamturbo
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Droning noise

Post by Jamturbo » Sat Mar 27, 2021 10:24 pm

Hi,

I recently started to notice a droning noise when driving, it sounds as if it is coming from the rear. More noticeable 30mph upwards. It doesn't sound metallic more of a dull droning. I wonder is this is a bearing issue, tyre noise or something else.
So, I have a few questions which I am looking for help on

- best way to check if the bearing needs changing
- is it possible for a amateur to tackle
- does it require specialist tools
- a job for the professionals.

Thanks in advance.

Weston Matt
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Droning noise

Post by Weston Matt » Sat Mar 27, 2021 11:00 pm

Check your tyres aren’t stepped

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Droning noise

Post by Roberltd2 » Sat Mar 27, 2021 11:27 pm

My mechanic alerted me that I needed a new rear wheel bearing on my old Eunos (MX5) while he was doing a pre MoT check. I hadn't noticed anything untoward handling wise or any noises or vibrations either for that matter. He changed the bearing for me as he had all the presses and pullers. Not a big job or expensive either as I recall.
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Jamturbo
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Droning noise

Post by Jamturbo » Sat Mar 27, 2021 11:54 pm

Thanks for the quick replies. Just some additional information, I read that bad shocks can cause irregular tyre wear. I changed my front and rear shocks and springs 2 days ago and the rear shocks were totally dead. At the time I wasn't even aware of the 'stepped issue so I didn't check the tyres. Learn something new every day...

Jamturbo
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Droning noise

Post by Jamturbo » Mon Mar 29, 2021 10:02 am

I just raised each wheel and carried out the 9-3 and 12-6 shake test, I couldn't find any play or wobble. Each wheel seems to rotate without any graunching noises.

However, I note that the nearside wheel is a bit harder to spin but again no unnatural noise as I do so.

Would a garage do anything more than that to test the bearings?

Thanks

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Droning noise

Post by Chippie » Mon Mar 29, 2021 10:05 am

Jamturbo wrote: Mon Mar 29, 2021 10:02 am I just raised each wheel and carried out the 9-3 and 12-6 shake test, I couldn't find any play or wobble. Each wheel seems to rotate without any graunching noises.

However, I note that the nearside wheel is a bit harder to spin but again no unnatural noise as I do so.

Would a garage do anything more than that to test the bearings?

Thanks
Did you check for any tyre distortion or uneven wear?
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Jamturbo
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Droning noise

Post by Jamturbo » Mon Mar 29, 2021 10:13 am

No unusual wear that I could see or distortion but I can't rule it out.

It sounds as if it is coming from the rear and I mentioned that I had recently changed all the shocks and springs. The tyres have about 6mm tread left. Both rear shocks were totally dead, perhaps this has messed up the tyre.

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Droning noise

Post by brillomaster » Mon Mar 29, 2021 10:44 am

go for drive, and then when you park up, is one wheel a lot hotter than the others? that would indicate a sticking brake caliper, and the droning could be a warped disc. if you do have a sticking caliper it'll either need to be rebuilt or replaced.

if all wheels are the same temp, then i'd look at tyres. previously, i ran Avons and one of them had developed a knurled edge like a 10 pence piece (still had plenty of tread). It made a very noticeable humming noise, that changed pitch proportional to the rotational speed of the wheel. I changed tyres and the noise went away.

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Droning noise

Post by Jamturbo » Mon Mar 29, 2021 10:49 am

Great, thanks for the advice. I just returned from dropping my wife off and all 4 wheels were cold. I shall check again after a longer drive.

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Droning noise

Post by enuff_zed » Mon Mar 29, 2021 11:41 am

Jamturbo wrote: Mon Mar 29, 2021 10:49 am Great, thanks for the advice. I just returned from dropping my wife off and all 4 wheels were cold. I shall check again after a longer drive.
Did the droning stop when the wife got out? :exitright:
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Droning noise

Post by Jamturbo » Mon Mar 29, 2021 12:12 pm

... it got less loud lol

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Droning noise

Post by dhobbs » Mon Mar 29, 2021 4:11 pm

I had some nexen tyres that wore badly due to incorrect alignment. They droned agter 2-3000 Miles. Ran my fingers over the tread and the pattern was clearly raised in one direction, like a saw tooth.
Threw those tyres away (and sold the car).
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Jamturbo
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Droning noise

Post by Jamturbo » Wed Apr 21, 2021 3:16 pm

I am getting the bearings checked out on Friday. I wanted to know that if it is the bearings then can only the bearings be replaced without replacing the hub as well. I ask because BMW don't sell just the bearings on their own but as a complete unit with the hub.

I note that bearings can be purchased on their own.

Thanks

Jamturbo
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Droning noise

Post by Jamturbo » Fri Apr 23, 2021 6:57 pm

Update- had the car checked at my usual MOT place. They could feel the vibration on the nearside rear wheel as it was being rotated. Recommendation to replace. Anyone have an idea of the labour cost, I don't fancy doing this myself. Thanks

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Droning noise

Post by bigwinn » Sat Apr 24, 2021 9:51 am

enuff_zed wrote: Mon Mar 29, 2021 11:41 am
Jamturbo wrote: Mon Mar 29, 2021 10:49 am Great, thanks for the advice. I just returned from dropping my wife off and all 4 wheels were cold. I shall check again after a longer drive.
Did the droning stop when the wife got out? :exitright:
I can’t believe it took this many posts for someone to roll this gem out...
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