Behemoth7

Is this a symptom of bad wheel bearings? It just started happening after I had my suspension bushings installed and new intermediate shaft.

k7q

iTrader: (37)

does it get louder the faster you go? if so, sounds like a wheel bearing. bad tires (uneven wear) can cause howling noise also.

Behemoth7

No it only happens in the 40 -45mph range. Maybe I'll have to go get the tires checked out again.

A couple months ago I got stuck in a ditch and was spinning the wheels in the dirt. Could that have misshapen the tire and be causing the noise?

NorthStyle

iTrader: (16)

It sounds like a wheel bearing to me.

Behemoth7

It doesn't get louder with speed though, at highway cruising speeds, the noise is non existent.

NorthStyle

iTrader: (16)

It doesn't necessarily have to... For example: I had a MK3 Jetta that, when the bearing was needing to be replaced, only made the noise between 65-70 mph; other than that it was quiet.

Behemoth7

Does a bad wheel bearing make a consistent noise? Because mine is intermittent.

islexusred

did you ever install the differential bushings? if yes any feedback?

repugnante

Both. It can be intermittent and/or it can be constant. Depends on the damage of the bearing race. You mentioned that you were stuck in the mud and your wheels were spinning out to get out of it. Depending on how deep that wheel was submerged, that could be the cause of a failed wheel bearing. Two main causes of bearing failure: hitting a curb when you park, moisture (driving hard through puddles).

Go to each wheel and hold it by the 12 and 6 o'clock position. Push and pull to check for any play. I'd do this for all wheels because you won't be sure on what wheel is affected. I had bearing noise in one of my cars that sounded like it was coming from the front but it was actually one of my rear wheels that had gone bad.

Behemoth7

Yeah sorry I've been meaning to post back, those bushings worked like a charm! No more clunking and acceleration is much smoother.

And I'm having the car checked out as I write this so I'll update when I know more.