Tire Noise vs. Wheel Bearings

rtgirard · 09-07-2011, 11:08 AM

Howdy,

Been lurking for a while, but finally had something I wanted to ask about.

I've got a 2010 328xi that has begun making terrible tire noise. It's most annoying at 40mph and drowns out conversation, the radio... everything.

I did rotate the tires at 12k (square setup on the base Continentals... 205/55/16) by swapping front to back same side. The noise was better, but then came back after 150 miles.

So then I swapped the fronts (formerly the rears) across the front axle. No change.

So, with 8/32s left on the tread all the way around, I'd hate to have to replace the tires. Could my noise from the front be wheel bearings? Anyone have bearings replaced on an LCI xi? Seems like 12 to 13k is a little early for bearings... our roads aren't great but we've been careful not to strike any craters. Thoughts?

Glim · 09-07-2011, 02:43 PM

Have it checked at your local BMW, you have free reign for three more years until your warranty expires.

It could be bearings, bent rotor shields or something loose and rubbing. Car should be nice and quiet.

Call ahead and see if they can arrange a 328i as a loaner so you can compare what your car should be.

rtgirard · 09-07-2011, 03:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Glim

Have it checked at your local BMW, you have free reign for three more years until your warranty expires.

It could be bearings, bent rotor shields or something loose and rubbing. Car should be nice and quiet.

Call ahead and see if they can arrange a 328i as a loaner so you can compare what your car should be.

Yea, it's going in on Friday. I know it's not the rotor shields or anything rubbing... the noise rises in volume and intensity with wheel speed, so it's got to be tread noise or bearings. I guess I'm just curious if anyone else has needed front bearings on an LCI xi car in under 20k miles.

rtgirard · 09-09-2011, 04:58 PM

Just an update... the car went in today for the biannual brake fluid flush and I asked for a recommendation on the tires.

The verdict is a bad front wheel bearing on the front-right. Waiting now to see if that fixes it. Weird... i really thought it sounded more like tire noise, but I obviously don't know what I'm talking about.

Glim · 09-09-2011, 05:26 PM

Awesome that they caught it!

When I switch from rft to and from my non rft summer tires there is very little change in tire noise, rft's are just way more bone-jarringly firm.

Non rft winter tires are noisier than both my rft's and non rft summer tires but I have the windows up so that point is moot.

None of them are as loud as the levels you are asking about.

rtgirard · 09-09-2011, 05:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Glim

Awesome that they caught it!

I'm very good friends with the shop foreman... it helps!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Glim

When I switch from rft to and from my non rft summer tires there is very little change in tire noise, rft's are just way more bone-jarringly firm.

As much as I agree about the ride, I'm going to take back all of the terrible things I said about RFTs recently if this is truly the fix.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Glim

None of them are as loud as the levels you are asking about.

I can not express how loud this was. At 30-40 mph it was an unholy howl... but silly me, i still swear it sounded like tires!

rtgirard · 09-10-2011, 09:14 AM

Final update: It's totally back to normal... noise is gone.

09-07-2011, 11:08 AM	#1
rtgirard 1-5-3-6-2-4 8 Rep 60 Posts Drives: Awaiting 2013 335xi - Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Upstate, New York iTrader: (0)	Tire Noise vs. Wheel Bearings Howdy, Been lurking for a while, but finally had something I wanted to ask about. I've got a 2010 328xi that has begun making terrible tire noise. It's most annoying at 40mph and drowns out conversation, the radio... everything. I did rotate the tires at 12k (square setup on the base Continentals... 205/55/16) by swapping front to back same side. The noise was better, but then came back after 150 miles. So then I swapped the fronts (formerly the rears) across the front axle. No change. So, with 8/32s left on the tread all the way around, I'd hate to have to replace the tires. Could my noise from the front be wheel bearings? Anyone have bearings replaced on an LCI xi? Seems like 12 to 13k is a little early for bearings... our roads aren't great but we've been careful not to strike any craters. Thoughts? Last edited by rtgirard; 09-07-2011 at 11:09 AM.. Reason: /edited - because i can't spell, type or put together coherent thoughts
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09-07-2011, 02:43 PM	#2
Glim Captain 23 Rep 780 Posts Drives: 2006 330i & 2013 X5 35i Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Victoria, BC iTrader: (0)	Have it checked at your local BMW, you have free reign for three more years until your warranty expires. It could be bearings, bent rotor shields or something loose and rubbing. Car should be nice and quiet. Call ahead and see if they can arrange a 328i as a loaner so you can compare what your car should be.
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09-09-2011, 04:58 PM	#4
rtgirard 1-5-3-6-2-4 8 Rep 60 Posts Drives: Awaiting 2013 335xi - Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Upstate, New York iTrader: (0)	Just an update... the car went in today for the biannual brake fluid flush and I asked for a recommendation on the tires. The verdict is a bad front wheel bearing on the front-right. Waiting now to see if that fixes it. Weird... i really thought it sounded more like tire noise, but I obviously don't know what I'm talking about.
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09-09-2011, 05:26 PM	#5
Glim Captain 23 Rep 780 Posts Drives: 2006 330i & 2013 X5 35i Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Victoria, BC iTrader: (0)	Awesome that they caught it! When I switch from rft to and from my non rft summer tires there is very little change in tire noise, rft's are just way more bone-jarringly firm. Non rft winter tires are noisier than both my rft's and non rft summer tires but I have the windows up so that point is moot. None of them are as loud as the levels you are asking about.
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09-10-2011, 09:14 AM	#7
rtgirard 1-5-3-6-2-4 8 Rep 60 Posts Drives: Awaiting 2013 335xi - Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Upstate, New York iTrader: (0)	Final update: It's totally back to normal... noise is gone.
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