Agent009

I have a noise coming from the right rear on my 98 quattro. So wanted to see what you guys thought.

The best way to describe it is like a small motorboat motor cruising. Sort of a "brrr" sound. It is speed sensitive not RPM sensitive and starts becoming audible at about 45 mph.

Here are few details to digest before you guys pass on your opinion:

1. I first noticed the noise not too longer after a new rear sway bar was installed.

2. I have slotted S4 rotors on the rear, but I never have heard any noise from them before. So, on the surface they probably are not the issue, unless for some reason the new sway bar adds a harmonic to make the sound audible. (more so at least). Also applying the hand brake at speed does not change the noise at all.

3. At first I thought the bearing on that side but the noise is not a "roaring" that I would have associated with a bearing. The more I listen the more I wonder if it is a CV joint back there going instead.

So what so we have?

1. Just amplified road noise induced by the sway bar?
2. Some thing with the rear brakes?
3. Bearing?
4. CV joint?
5. None of the above?

Thanks in advance for the help.

Romaudi

If that looks clean, jack up the side of your car and grab your wheel at 3-9 and 12-6 and try to wiggle it. If there is a play, your bearing is shot big time. If it's firm, spin your wheel with your hands and listen for any abnormal (squeaky, crunchy) sound.

Agent009

No grease lost and no loose bearing either