Wheel bearing or CV joint on the way out..

[BBoy82]

Hi guys, and happy new year to you all.

My leon has developed a droning/groaning/rumbling noise, which is progressively getting worse. It sounds like its coming from the n/s/f corner, but im not sure how to determine whether its the bearing or the CV joint.

If its CV, i would have thought the noise would get worse on accelleration, and bearing would get worse while under breaking, or cornering which applies more load to the bearing in question. Is this correct?

Is there anything else i can do to pinpoint the problem before i order parts?

Thanks in advance,

Dan

 

[Alexis27]

Bearing should produce the noise even on a flat straight road I would have thought. Noise should also increase when cornering in one direction over the other I think.

 

[xr2turbo]

cv's rattle
bearings drone

i just did my cv but the bearings now drone

 

[NickT]

CV would be worse on full lock, need to do find an empty car park and do some full lock turns, usually a rattle or clicking would indicate a shanked CV joint.
If it's the N/S/F then I think it would sound worse on full RH lock.

Wheel bearings are more 'droning/groaning/rumbling' usually in a straight line and worse on a gentle turn. Again if N/S/F bearing then would sound worse on a right turn, recently had this myself.

 

[rodneysmart]

had same problem mine was bearing 60 quid fitted local garage lot beta now

 

[borisvanhalen]

had same symptoms - booked car into Seat garage for new bearing but they found nothing wrong with it - very honest plus no charge after 90 mins investigating - garage suggested that it could be the tyre tread indicators as the tyres were down to near to legal limit...

problem sorted - new tyres = no noise

 

[Steely]

An easy way to detect a Wheel bearing instead of CV, take car on a decent run, pull up then remove the wheelnut covers, this'll expose the splined castle nut end of the driveshaft,

Droning bearings usually causes excessive heat buildup, you'll notice a temp difference of the driveshaft in comparison to the other side,

Doesnt always work, depends on how far gone the wheel bearings gone, worked a trat on the works transit.

 

[BBoy82]

Cheers fellas!

Thanks for the replys guys.
It is the bearing then, as all the above tally in its favour.
Ive booked it into a local garage that is owned by a friend of the family, so should get a bit of discount hopefully.
Its also having the water pump/cambelt/tensioner done, as its making some 'chirping' noises im not happy about. Its on its original pump (and presumably tensioner), which isnt bad going for 108k.
If the bill is particularly remarkable, i'll forward the details.
The garage is Chancery Autos (mildly humourous name) in Thrapston.
Cant wait to get it back, and this rubbish weather to off!