Hi,

I have an '07 A3 Quattro with 105k miles. A humming noise started last week, much more suddenly than tire noise would develop. It is speed dependent, doesn't change when I hit the breaks (except of course for the slowing down part), and it doesn't change with turns (or sudden jerks of the wheel). When I am in the drivers seat it sounds like it's coming from the rear passenger side and vice-versa so I'm thinking it's probably coming from the middle.

Any thoughts on what I can do to further diagnose this, what the different options may cost, and whether or not I may be doing any damage by driving it for a week longer (~100m per day)?

Thank you in advance.

Chris

 

Drone/humming Noise From The Rear

How to Check a Vehicle's Wheel Bearings - For Dummies

 

After putting on my winter tires with no change, I was even more certain it wasn't "tire noise". Even though in following the "for dummies" instructions, it didn't appear to be the bearing (and the noise didn't change in turns), I took it to the dealership (ouch) and they replaced the right rear bearing and the noise is gone. The job (just the bearing, without alignment or any other extras) was over $800...that's where the "ouch" comes in. I sure hope I don't have a repair like this every month now that I've crossed into the 100k + zone!