[dakotap80]

Hi folks!

The last few weeks my 335i xDrive has been making a groaning/rubbing sort of noise when cornering. It only happens when turning to the right, and only above about 40 MPH. The noise itself is pretty noticeable, but I do not feel any vibration in the seat or steering wheel.

I thought it was the driver's side front wheel bearing, so I just had it replaced, but the noise is still there just as before. Could it be the rear wheel bearing, or something else?

Tires are about 4 months old and the noise just showed up a few weeks ago so I don't think that's the culprit. Any ideas are appreciated!

[dakotap80]

Bump

[nsjames]

I would pull the front driveshaft to see if it's driveline related.

[Achappell8]

Might look at your strut mounts (or top hats) too. I'm not 100% sure on the name but when I put my coilovers in, had to replace them because they were junked and causing noise similar.

[iqraceworks]

Could it be a wheel bearing? Making noise when you put a heavy load on it (turning)?

[dakotap80]

I could give that a shot, the noise is there whether I'm on throttle or coasting though.

[iqraceworks]

Originally Posted by dakotap80

I could give that a shot, the noise is there whether I'm on throttle or coasting though.

anytime you turn where that wheel is on the outside of the turn, it's going to get extra pressure on it. It doesn't matter if you're accelerating or not.

[dakotap80]

Originally Posted by iqraceworks

anytime you turn where that wheel is on the outside of the turn, it's going to get extra pressure on it. It doesn't matter if you're accelerating or not.

Right, sorry, the clarification about coasting/throttle not making a difference was at the driveline suggestion (I'd assume if it were driveline related it would only make a noise under power?)

Wheel bearing was my first thought too but after changing the front one on that side it's still making the noise. It could certainly be the rear wheel bearing but I want to get some opinions before I throw another $400 at it.

[IllSic_Design]

I'd definitely check the front strut mounts first, but if not highly likely a rear wheel bearing. I had both mine go out on my car, but I was probably at a much higher mileage than you.

[dakotap80]

Originally Posted by Achappell8

Might look at your strut mounts (or top hats) too. I'm not 100% sure on the name but when I put my coilovers in, had to replace them because they were junked and causing noise similar.

I'm actually looking at replacing shocks/struts soon, I'm at 118K miles on the original suspension and hardware so that could be it. Was your noise only on one side, and did the pitch change up and down with speed?

[dakotap80]

Originally Posted by IllSic_Design

I'd definitely check the front strut mounts first, but if not highly likely a rear wheel bearing. I had both mine go out on my car, but I was probably at a much higher mileage than you.

I'll give them a look before dropping more money. What should I be looking for in particular to verify whether it's the mounts or not? After 9 years and almost 120K miles in Montana I'd assume they're probably needing replaced whether they're making the noise or not.

[Achappell8]

I think I read your original post wrong - are you saying the noise is only present above 40mph?

Does the noise sound different if you are going 80mph and turn right?

Also, one thing that helped me "locate" the noise, put your rear seats down and recreate the noise (and see if it's now louder)

[dakotap80]

Originally Posted by Achappell8

I think I read your original post wrong - are you saying the noise is only present above 40mph?

Does the noise sound different if you are going 80mph and turn right?

Also, one thing that helped me "locate" the noise, put your rear seats down and recreate the noise (and see if it's now louder)

Correct, it's not there at all when turning right from a stop, only higher speeds.
It changes pitch depending on wheel speed, it sounds sort of like going over rumble strips but a tiny bit quieter and without any vibration.

Good idea, I'll give that a shot tomorrow.

[Achappell8]

So...?

[dakotap80]

Sorry, busy weekend getting ready for classes and trying to get my Jeep to stop puking coolant everywhere.

Just went for a run on the interstate with the rear seats down and it was definitely louder, I think it is the rear wheel bearing. My mechanic had the same thought so I'll get that replaced next week and let you guys know how it turns out.

[dakotap80]

Solved - it was actually both the rear wheel bearings, they were absolutely toast. The driver's side rear was replaced first but the noise was still there, then replacing the passengers side rear was what solved it. Interesting that the bad bearing was making noise when it was UNloaded.

[iqraceworks]

Originally Posted by dakotap80

Solved - it was actually both the rear wheel bearings, they were absolutely toast. The driver's side rear was replaced first but the noise was still there, then replacing the passengers side rear was what solved it. Interesting that the bad bearing was making noise when it was UNloaded.

Nice! Glad you figured it out! I have a groaning noise coming from my front driver's side wheel area when I turn hard to the right....I'm guessing I have a wheel bearing going bad also.