Droning sound from rear at low speed...

[Welshman Adam]

Hoping someone can help.

Recently had my front tyres swapped with my rears as they were getting low on tread (and I want to change all 4 together). They are Michelin PS3's. approx 3mm rear and 6mm front. The fitters swapped them front near side to rear off side and vice versa.

Since then I've noticed a droning noise from the rear, and I'm inclined to say near side but can't be 100% on that.

When I turn right, on a roundabout for example, it fades away. Straight ahead and left turns its remains there. Once over about 40 mph it disappears. However, this could just be road/wind noise blocking it out or the frequency changing as it does vary with speed.

Is this the tyre wear issue that is well known, or a bearing failing?

Any advice appreciated.

[Saintsteve]

Tyre tread is most proberly worn unevenly or the tread remaining will have "stepping stoned"  a basic sign of a tyre with a weakened side wall.

Are these tyres by chance "Dunlop Sportmax"??

[doylebros]

Common fault with the rear tyres wearing flat spots this may explain it:-

http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=52231

[Welshman Adam]

Tyres are Michelin Pilot Sport 3. And having driven it since posting this I'm starting to think it's both sides.

[Scottymon]

When ever I've experienced a notable and lasting droning over different road surfaces its been wheel bearings, however I'd swap your tyres over to rule them out.  Then if it is better bin the fronts and get some newcomers leaving the 6mm on the rear.

[Jas Lad]

wheel bearing?

[phil bert]

got the very same problem on mine and had mine at garage today for brakefluid change and asked them about the noise , checked the tyres but they are all new last week so said that it probley a wheel bearing has when I apply brakes can hear a very slight grind / drone noise but they said it nothing major , but mine sounds like from the front

[Welshman Adam]

Not sure I want to know the answer to this question, but what happens when a wheel bearing fails?? 

[SooperD]

Also have this droning noise and a slight (grinding) noise when breaking.. Only hear the noise after 35 mph and it changes dependant on speed so am hoping its only the wheel bearing..

If a wheel bearing collapses its not good.. Especially if driving at speed. It can cause a lot of damage to the wheel/arm/suspension etc.

Hoping to get mine sorted somewhere local ASAP as it is very annoying and my car shouldnt be turning heads because of a noise but because its a golf and looks sweet :)

[Welshman Adam]

So I got the rear tyres changed today.

The noise is still there! Guess it's a bearing issue after all. :(