Droning noise

[Jamturbo]

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]

Check your tyres aren’t stepped

 

[Roberltd2]

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.
Good luck.

 

[Jamturbo]

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]

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

 

[Chippie]

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?

 

[Jamturbo]

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.

 

[brillomaster]

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.

 

[Jamturbo]

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.

 

[enuff_zed]

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:

 

[Jamturbo]

... it got less loud lol

 

[dhobbs]

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).

 

[Jamturbo]

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]

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

 

[bigwinn]

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...

 

[Danglesberries]

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

Did you not ask the garage who checked them for a quote whilst you were there?

 

[Jamturbo]

Update. Finally got round to having the nearside rear bearing, hub and back plate replaced I didn't do it myself and just as well as the bearing was a real sod to get out as it had seized. Poor condition. At least all four corners are good now and I can enjoy the recently changed shocks and springs.
It confirmed that the droning is also caused by the tyre as I can still hear it or maybe the sound has been programmed into my head lol!
I used a BMW indy specialist. Price was good and he looked after my car. Charged me what he had quoted even though I know it took him longer than his estimation. Glad I found that mechanic for the future.