986 drone from rear - wheel bearings?

[tobesetc]

I've got a 2003 986 "S" (with 30k miles on the clock). I've notived that it tends to make a loudish droning noise from the back. Not sure if it's coming from the engine or the wheels. In my younger days (ie driving a crap car) I'd have thought it was the wheel bearings that had gone. Is this at all likely on a car of this age? What can I do to test if it is the bearings, regular engine noise or something wrong? It's on new Michelin Pilots (done maybe 1-2000 miles).

 

[JRW]

Just a suggestion, but could it be the water pump perhaps? I had a similar droning noise on my 2003 986 S last year, and that's what it turned out to be. Just a thought! Jeff.

 

[andyslade]

When it is making the noise,put the clutch in.If the noise is the same,it is not engine related.
Sounds very much like a wheel bearing.
Andrew.

 

[Black80XSA]

If it sounds like a Lancaster bomber flying overhead and its limited to a certain speed range, such as 50-60mph then its a wheel bearing. Jacking up the car and spinning the wheels will confirm if they sound a little gritty. 30k miles is about the point they fail

 

[JCB..]

ORIGINAL: Black80XSA
30k miles is about the point they fail

Is that the first, second, third or fourth 30k? []

 

[Glyn]

Drive the car to the speed you get the drone, then steer to either side, the drone should get louder or softer as you change direction - this is because weight will be applied on the bearing in one direction and weight lifted in the other.
If you turn to the right and the noise increases then it will be the left rear bearing that is faulty.

Bearing are common, the bearing have been described on this forum before as bon bons.
fortunately if your handy with a spanner replacement is easy, i changed mine and photographed the whole job - no specialist kit required to demonstrate even a basic toolkit will get the job done.
If you want the file send me a PM and ill send it to you


Glyn

 

[BrianJ]

Lots of people have found these strange droning noises from the rear are in fact the tyres.

 

[tobesetc]

It was the wheel bearing. Had it fixed by Jaz in Wembley.

 

[Oceanbox]

ORIGINAL: tobesetc

It was the wheel bearing. Had it fixed by Jaz in Wembley.

Do you mind me asking how much this repair cost you? Was it just one side?
Is is best to replace both the rear bearings at the same time?

My car has just started making the very same noise the last few days!

 

[tobesetc]

It was just one side. The part appears as £56.66 (inc vat) on the invoice. However, I had a load of other stuff done at the same time (service, both front discs, Ignition Coil, plugs and a couple of minor bits) so I can't tell you the labour charge - especially as there was a discount for getting all this done together! It was nice a clean when I got it back ) oh, and the noise had stopped. Just as a passing aside, Jaz in Wembley seem to be pretty good and I only had to sell one kidney and a limb to pay the bill ;o)

 

[Oceanbox]

Thanks tobesetc i'll look into it.

 

[johnk]

would have thought they would have charged a couple of hours labour for this job as thats around how long it takes..

 

[Oceanbox]

Ok thanks for the info guys will get this looked at within the next couple of weeks