So last winter my friend drove the car and hit a snow bank. It didn't cause any body damage but the passenger front wheel took all of the impact since he steered right into it. After that, when driving the car, that corner of the car started to make a noise like it was grinding on something and would get progressively faster as I drove faster. I've been driving on it for over 6 months now w/o any problems but it seems to be getting a little worse and it's just irritating. In any case, any suggestions on what it could be? I'm thinking the wheel hub or the wheel bearing. Nothing visibly looks bent or loose. What could it be?

 

yeah check the hub assembly. usually when wheel bearings tend to go bad, they make a grinding sort of winding noise..never know just might need to repack with grease. hope that helps

 

Thanks for the advice! Based upon what I know, the wheel bearing is a sealed unit though

 

B5 wheel bearings (and a large majority of newer cars on the road today) are sealed and cannot be re-greased or re-packed. They must be pressed out and replaced.

I also recommend a measurement on an alignment rack to check for bent arms or struts. Either way, you likely need an alignment after a hit like that.

 

I did have an alignment done not too long ago and it was found that the subframe was bad b/c it was out of spec on the driver's side. I'm about to replace the subframe soon but I don't think that will solve this wheel/drivetrain noise as it's coming from the passenger side.

 

If you can, try and notice if the noise gets louder or quieter when you curve left or right. If it does, it could be a bad wheel bearing. It's also easy to check and see if your inner or outer CV boot got ripped. Just jack up the car and take a look.

 

i would put money on it being the wheel bearings...

 

You're driving your car with a bad subframe??

 

Yes, I didn't know until I got an alignment and the shop owner showed me the pull marks from a frame pulling machine. It was bad news but the car was still driveable. I ordered a wheel bearing and new wheel hub and will update as soon as those and the subframe are replaced. Thanks to all of those who contributed with their advice/suggestions.

 

Please keep us posted on your fix.

My 2004 S4 has a stress mark on fender (like a kink above the wheel well) and the front end makes noise at slow speeds when turning. This issue only occurs when pulling out of, or turning into a parking spot. It sounds and feels like the wheel is rubbing, but obviously that is not the case. Once in a while, it sounds like metal whining, as if something needs greasing.

I had Audi dealer check it twice, and they say they could not diagnose and that it could be just normal quattro noise. I had an independent Audi specialist drive and awknowledge the noise but had no answers. Two other mechanics suggested bearings, and one mentioned front diff!

I am out of ideas and wish someone could help. How do you fix something no one can diagnose?

Thanks.