[N11KDJ]

Looking for some help with an odd noise. I've noticed it after changing to non run flat tyres , the road noise is much lower now so this hollow sounding hum/howl/roar is noticeable. Difficult to describe!

I've swapped to my old wheels today with the run flats on and the noise is still there albeit partly disguised by the increased road noise. I've also spun the hubs at the front while holding the spring and there's no sign of any bearing noise either side. I've yet to try this on the rear though, it could be coming from the rear and just sounding like the front.

The noise starts at around 10mph and carries on up to motorway speed. It's not a constant noise it changes slightly depending on road surface. If smooth it's a bit quieter but on rough surfaces it's quite loud. It's there when rolling, being on the throttle doesn't make any difference.

There is a video clip here -

[snedanator]

I'd like to know as well. Cant work it out to be honest. .

[Abax335]

Put the car on a lift and drive it if it's AWD just make sure you shut off DSC if it goes away its tire noise. If it continues get a screw driver and listen to your diffs and wheel bearings.

If it is RWD you can still rule out the diff and rear wheel bearings.

[N11KDJ]

Thanks guys, I'm convinced it's the sound of a bearing running dry but it's hard to find out which, sounds like drivers front when driving and also when sat in passenger seat. I've just tried jacking up the front and recording from inside the car while spinning the front wheels but can't get enough speed up to hear anything apart from my hands hitting the tyre turning it! I've had a noisy rear diff in another E91 and that was a different sound, this is a rolling sound, not when accelerating.

I'm thinking now just getting the drivers front bearing changed and hope that's the problem. Alternatively I'll book it in somewhere and ask them to take a look.

I found a thread from a few years ago on another forum (VW/Audi) which describes my sound EXACTLY but there wasn't a resolution posted, have PM'd the guy asking if he resolved it.

[snedanator]

Keep us posted if you find out what it was.

[Turk88]

Does it get worse when cornering at all?

[N11KDJ]

No, seems to stay the same. Doesn't show a worn bearing but I'm convinced one is, I just need to find which one.

[snedanator]

Its possible to be a worn bearing with no play but who knows. ..mine sounds very similar. ...it starts at 30mph to motorway speeds but doesnt get louder or faster sounding with speed. I have 2 spare front wheels/tires. I'll change them to eliminate front tire noise scenario. Its hard to tell where its coming from....front or back?

[Aragorn30d]

The dual row ball bearings used on these cars very rarely have play in them when they get noisey.

If its a bearing it almost always changes in pitch/frequency with speed and turning (loading up the bearing more or less) usually changes it as well.

Listening to your video i dont hear anything bearingy, but sounds often dont come out that well on video.

[Ayushm]

Did you ever find the issue? I am having what seems to be the same thing driving me nuts