[tcasey]

I recently changed the front Pads and disc's on my A4. The next day i noticed a "humming" noise from the rear of the car, and it changes as the speed increases or decreases...Possible wheel bearing noise? I was planning to change the rear disc's and pads as well...Seems odd it started immediately after i changed out the fronts...Any help appreciated... :thumbsup:

 

[kermitgrant]

I had the same problem and it was the wheel bearing - the tip off being the noise getting louder at speed. It will most likely be louder on one side (unlucky to have both let go that much at the same time)

Prolly just coincidence that it started when you had the front discs done.

hope it helps.

 

[jtj0812]

So what kind of price are you talking to replace the wheel bearing? My 2000 S4 seems to have the same noise. it just started, so do i have much time to replace it?

 

[kermitgrant]

It cost me about $250 Aust Dollars(from memory) for the wheel bearing plus labour. My Mechanic got it from an after market importer who gets the parts from the contractor who makes the Audi geniune parts. The after market parts are exactly the same as the geniune ones, but the four audi rings are machined off. My mechanic keeps the name of the importer close to his chest, but I'm sure there would be a similar person in the USA - someone on this forum might be able to tell you.

As for time - it really depends on how much driving you do, but I could tell you how many miles. It will get louder and louder and on a performace car like an S4, I would get it attended to ASAP.

hope this helps

 

[cheesemax]

Just had my rear wheel bearing replaced and it cost me CDA$200 all in. My mechanic says that prices on many parts for A4s are actually dropping somewhat (greater aftermarket supply).
The noise is likely your bearing but a quick test will tell. Drive at a moderate speed, go into neutral if you have a stick, and slowly swerve the car back and forth. The noise will reduce or dissappear as you turn to one side and reappear as you turn back to the other (left or right depends on which side the bad bearing is). As you turn to one side it will take the load off the wheel bearing and the noise will diminish or disappear. As you swerve the car back to the other direction, the noise will reappear as the load is put back onto the bearing. If this checks out, it's a bearing for sure. If the noise doesn't change at all when swerving the car it could still be a bearing but more likely something deeper inside the drivetrain (CV joint?).
Anyway, it's a quick test and pretty reliable.
The bearing over time will just get louder. It's not like it's gonna cease up and fall off or anything but you should get it done sooner rather later.
Good luck. :thumbsup:

 

[tcasey]

Just had both rear wheel bearings replaced. I found a local mechanic and ordered bearings from the Audi dealer (both $92.00)
It took him three hours to replace...all together charged me $250.00 with parts!
Like new... :57: