[JRP]

I am experiencing a humming noise at 60+ mph. I feel a slight vibration too. The tires and wheels are brand new, and I heard the same noise and felt the same vibration with my previous wheels and tires. I beleive it may be related to the front right wheel bearing because when I turn left going slow, 5-10 mph, I hear a metallic/grinding noise coming from the front right wheel. I do not hear it when I turn right though. Seems the lateral force exerted on the front right wheel assembly causes the metallic sound and may be related to the humming and slight vibration. Is there a way to check the wheel bearing's condition? How much of a job is it to replace the front wheel bearing myself?? Any help or thoughts would be appreciated.

[nomile]

Sounds like you've pretty much diagnosed it correctly. The L/R turn difference is a giveaway. I have done front wheel bearings on RWD cars, and that was straight-forward. I have a feeling that it's a bit more involved with AWD b/c of the hubs, axles, etc. Bentley?

[hurricane56]

Originally Posted by JRP

I am experiencing a humming noise at 60+ mph. I feel a slight vibration too. The tires and wheels are brand new, and I heard the same noise and felt the same vibration with my previous wheels and tires. I beleive it may be related to the front right wheel bearing because when I turn left going slow, 5-10 mph, I hear a metallic/grinding noise coming from the front right wheel. I do not hear it when I turn right though. Seems the lateral force exerted on the front right wheel assembly causes the metallic sound and may be related to the humming and slight vibration. Is there a way to check the wheel bearing's condition? How much of a job is it to replace the front wheel bearing myself?? Any help or thoughts would be appreciated.

How loud is your humming noise? I have the same problem you're describing with my 2006, but every time I have the stealership look at it, they just call it tread noise and call it a day.

Do you find that your car is quieter at 70+mph than 60-65mph?

[Showsol2211]

I had to do one of my rear wheel bearings at 55k on my 2006 330xi. It was about a $700 repair from the dealer.

[JRP]

Originally Posted by nomile

Sounds like you've pretty much diagnosed it correctly. The L/R turn difference is a giveaway. I have done front wheel bearings on RWD cars, and that was straight-forward. I have a feeling that it's a bit more involved with AWD b/c of the hubs, axles, etc. Bentley?

Thanks. I am going to check if the dealer I bought it from will fix it, since I have a 3 month warranty left. I'm sure it is the front right wheel bearing. The slow speed, slight turn test points me to the bearing. Is definelty not tread or tire noise, or a rotor. I proved that changing the tires. The noise does seem to get more quite, with less vibration, as I drive at speeds greater than 70 mph. The harmonics of the bearing may cancel out at speeds greater than 70, and why its not as noticable. Its an annoying noise to me becuase I mostly drive the car at 60-65 mph every day to work. Passengers don't even notice it, but I sense there is something wrong cause I drive the car over 500 miles per week, so I spend a lot of time in it, and get to know it well. I am waiting for someone to notice it to and ask me if somethings wrong with the car!

[JRP]

Originally Posted by hurricane56

How loud is your humming noise? I have the same problem you're describing with my 2006, but every time I have the stealership look at it, they just call it tread noise and call it a day.

Do you find that your car is quieter at 70+mph than 60-65mph?

Thanks. I am going to check if the dealer I bought it from will fix it, since I have a 3 month warranty left. I'm sure it is the front right wheel bearing. The slow speed, slight turn test points me to the bearing. Is definelty not tread or tire noise, or a rotor. I proved that changing the tires. The noise does seem to get more quite, with less vibration, as I drive at speeds greater than 70 mph. The harmonics of the bearing may cancel out at speeds greater than 70, and why its not as noticable. Its an annoying noise to me becuase I mostly drive the car at 60-65 mph every day to work. Passengers don't even notice it, but I sense there is something wrong cause I drive the car over 500 miles per week, so I spend a lot of time in it, and get to know it well. I am waiting for someone to notice it to and ask me if somethings wrong with the car!

[JRP]

Originally Posted by Showsol2211

I had to do one of my rear wheel bearings at 55k on my 2006 330xi. It was about a $700 repair from the dealer.

thanks. i am going to check the cost of the bearing at the dealer. its probably an assembly so it don't think its cheap!

[hurricane56]

Originally Posted by JRP

thanks. i am going to check the cost of the bearing at the dealer. its probably an assembly so it don't think its cheap!

I also had to do a rear wheel bearing last year, took it to an indie shop and charged about $430. The car got much quieter after that, but still had low humming.

[JRP]

Priced the front bearing at dealer- $78.50, PN 31-22-6-783-913. Going to order it and tackle the job myself.

[sincere]

Originally Posted by JRP

Priced the front bearing at dealer- $78.50, PN 31-22-6-783-913. Going to order it and tackle the job myself.

Keep us posted. I'm interested to know before buying an xi.

[E36graduate]

Originally Posted by sincere

Keep us posted. I'm interested to know before buying an xi.

Most all my BMW's in the past had a wheel bearing or 2 that needed changing...not a big deal...you can also DIY.. I did a rear one on my E46 M3....and that was the last time I did a wheel bearing as they are a PIA. I just pay my neighbor $200 and be done with it (parts about $50).

Also....sometimes the opposite bearing might be the culprit, even though you think it is the other side.....I am going through this right now. very strange.

[BimmerOne]

Originally Posted by JRP

Thanks. I am going to check if the dealer I bought it from will fix it, since I have a 3 month warranty left. I'm sure it is the front right wheel bearing. The slow speed, slight turn test points me to the bearing. Is definelty not tread or tire noise, or a rotor. I proved that changing the tires. The noise does seem to get more quite, with less vibration, as I drive at speeds greater than 70 mph. The harmonics of the bearing may cancel out at speeds greater than 70, and why its not as noticable. Its an annoying noise to me becuase I mostly drive the car at 60-65 mph every day to work. Passengers don't even notice it, but I sense there is something wrong cause I drive the car over 500 miles per week, so I spend a lot of time in it, and get to know it well. I am waiting for someone to notice it to and ask me if somethings wrong with the car!

I know it's an old thread but thought I'd bring it back to life. (Look Ma, I searched!)

I have the humming issue and its getting much worse. No noticeable grinding at low speed turns. Is it likely a bearing issue?

[bbstoke]

Originally Posted by BimmerOne

I know it's an old thread but thought I'd bring it back to life. (Look Ma, I searched!)

I have the humming issue and its getting much worse. No noticeable grinding at low speed turns. Is it likely a bearing issue?

I get that kind of noise when i'm coming to a stop, sounds as if my brake pads are low or discs are worn but they are fine. Can slightly feel it on the pedal too...Weird

[fefo25]

Originally Posted by bbstoke

I get that kind of noise when i'm coming to a stop, sounds as if my brake pads are low or discs are worn but they are fine. Can slightly feel it on the pedal too...Weird

ME too!!

[bbstoke]

Just had Michelin pilot sport 3 fitted and the noise has gone,handles like a dream