C6Avant

HI all, I've been lurking on the forum for a while trying to diagnose an ongoing, seemingly minor issue I've been having with my 09 Avant. I wanted to post to see if anyone else has experienced something similar. I've had the car to three separate shops that specialize in VAG vehicles and they all seem to think everything's fine.

What I have is a mild vibration and "ruh ruh ruh" noise coming from the front end. It comes and goes based on speed, steering wheel angle, and apparently outside temperature. I know the first thing you think of is wheel bearing, especially due to the steering angle being involved, but I don't think it is that. The "ruh ruh ruh" sound is much more pronounced at lower speeds and tends to lessen at higher speeds. You can really notice it as your decelerating to a stop and when coasting. it is much more pronounced when turning to the right.

I think it's a bad CV axle shaft or may be a combination of the CV and wheel bearing. Sound about right? What sucks is when you inspect these components on a lift everything is fairly tight (I think this is why the shops keep giving it a clean bill of health), but it definitely becomes more pronounced the longer you drive the car.

Thanks for your help guys.

C6Avant

I should also note that I do occasionally get a popping sound when turning at or near full lock which I believe is indicative of CV issues, correct?

iaflyer

My guess would be wheel bearing. I had my left front bearing replaced a few months ago, sounded similar to what you're describing. At high speed, almost didn't hear it (because you're not turning the wheel much compared to low speed). Go drive around a windy subdivision at medium speed (25-30 mph), it should be apparent.

The easiest way to tell is get the car up on a lift, push on the sides of the wheel as you face it. If it wiggles, it's the bearing I think.

stuffinder

I tend to agree with wheel bearings being issue. My '06 A6 Avant had both changed between 165-175 K mi, my '08 developed front wheel bearing issue at 165 k mi. I just replaced them both. Have some noisy tires but much of the noise disappeared. I could also feel it when turning before replacement. A totally differnt noise was coming from sway bar links which I replaced on the '08 recently.

C6Avant

I appreciate the feedback guys. The next time I change the oil I'll check for play in the suspension components and wheel bearing. I still think it is a CV issue more than wheel bearing, but also suspect both components may need addressing. Just the way the noise is still audible and slows down as you decelerate. It doesn't disappear until you come to a complete stop. Sounds rotational, like there's something up with the axle. I suppose swapping out the axle's and wheel bearings can be done as a "while you're in there" job. Doesn't seem too difficult on the front.

stuffinder

I don't do my own work but have a very good Indy mechanic w/lots of VAG experience. I think it's a PITA to get that wheel bearing pinch bolt out sometimes! I sourced the wheel bering kit w/new hardware and they were a little more than $100 ea. Labor was 2 1/2 hrs. I highly recommend emiparts.com, Owned & manned by AUDI geeks and knowledgeable & competitive, price wise. They'll also tell you when to source something from the Dealer if good OEM isn't available. No personal connection, just happy with their prices, service & shipping!

09mazda6

Did you ever get this solved? my 11 avant with @ 90k miles seems to have similar symptoms but car got a once over right after I bought it from high end Audi specialist and then Audi dealer did alignment and neither noted any play in the wheel on mine.

C6Avant

Sorry to revive an old thread, but I want to report that it was indeed the drivers side front and rear wheel bearings causing the vibration/noise. It is 100% gone now.

stifster

Hey - can you tell me if this is the noise you experienced: https://www.audiworld.com/forums/att...a6c6rattle.mp3

I'd really appreciate it, as I haven't figured my problem out yet...

C6Avant

Really hard to tell through the recording. I can say that it was a rotational sound. A "rumph-rumph-rumph" sound at varying speeds fast and slow.