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YOUR RESEARCH996 Road Noise question - wheel bearing on the way out?
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tyres
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Reported cause
I've swore blind in previous cars I had a knackered bearing, turned out to be the tyres.
996 Road Noise question - wheel bearing on the way out?
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Leading evidence: 'tyres' (1 discussions report identifying this cause; no attributable repair resolution). Across 1 matching discussions, the most frequently mentioned possible cause is 'tyres' (1 discussions; 1 report identifying it and 0 suggest it). The most frequently discussed action is 'Check play in the bearings' (1 discussions). For that action, 0 discussions report a resolution and 0 report an unsuccessful attempt. No action has an explicit, attributable resolution report under the current rules. These are forum reports and suggestions, not a confirmed diagnosis.
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Performed · outcome unconfirmed · Original poster
Recently replaced a wheel bearing on a Discovery without the aid of a press so I'm not easily scared.
996 Road Noise question - wheel bearing on the way out?
Check play in the bearings
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Suggestion
I would start by jacking up the rear of the car and checking for play in the bearings.
996 Road Noise question - wheel bearing on the way out?
Check tyre noise you need
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Suggestion
To check for tyre noise you need to find either a resurfaced bit of road or one thats pretty dam smooth ..
996 Road Noise question - wheel bearing on the way out?
Replace anyway
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Suggestion · Original poster
I'm tempted to replace both anyway but I also know that the rear discs are nearing the end of their days so its makes sense to do those at the same time along with new pads.
996 Road Noise question - wheel bearing on the way out?
Replace anyway
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Suggestion · Original poster
I'm tempted to replace both anyway but I also know that the rear discs are nearing the end of their days so its makes sense to do those at the same time along with new pads.
996 Road Noise question - wheel bearing on the way out?
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I have a 2003 Carrera 4 which I have owned for 2 years. Its the only 996 I have ever driven so its hard to gauge whether the various noises I hear are normal. However I also own a Boxster S and road noise is definitely a lot quieter on that.
My thoughts are that the road noise from is 996 is quite loud anyway but I have a horrible feeling that I have a rear wheel bearing on the way out. I know its hard for you guys to pass judgement without actually listening to my car but I'd like some opinions on how you rate the road noise in your own cars.
Plan B is to simply replace the wheel bearing though I'm struggling to identify which one is possibly making a racket. I'm tempted to replace both anyway but I also know that the rear discs are nearing the end of their days so its makes sense to do those at the same time along with new pads. You can see how costs can escalate!
So the second part of the question is this: is rear wheel bearing replacement a DIY job? I'm a reasonably decent mechanic and have a good set up at home (though no bearing press). Recently replaced a wheel bearing on a Discovery without the aid of a press so I'm not easily scared.
If I can do everything myself, I'll change the lot as it will be so much cheaper.
Doable or stupid?
Without hearing it or knowing mileage of your car or what tyres you're running on, I'm guessing its tyre noise. How wide are they and what width are the boxsters?
I would start by jacking up the rear of the car and checking for play in the bearings.
It is an easy job with a press. If you are anywhere near Nottm I'm happy to press the old bearing out and new one in if needed, any engineering place can do it for you and it shouldn't cost a lot.
MC
Wheel bearings often make more noise in one direction than the other due to loading on the bearing. Other road noise is usually constant on RH and LH bends.
Another possibility with a C4 is that it's the front diff - to my admittedly untrained ear the diff bearings on their way out sounded pretty similar to a wheel bearing. But wheel bearings are very much easier to fix so let's hope it's that
I've swore blind in previous cars I had a knackered bearing, turned out to be the tyres.
Dunlops were/are particularly bad for this, both wear and distortion wise.
To check for tyre noise you need to find either a resurfaced bit of road or one thats pretty dam smooth ..
As you go from normal to smooth roads the car will go quiet .. proves its tyre noise .
Wheel bearings and i tend to find the worn noisy side it louder under a load so cornering basically .. its a rough way to find a side and its not always correct but its something to try ...
A bearing is louder under a load basically .
C4 and the front diff noise tends to be from the front of the center console .. easy to get it mixed up with a wheel bearing though .
Advise above is the first start ..... check for play and if possible spin the wheel and put your hand on the road spring .. you will feel a roughness .
Last tip .. someone in the back listening .. they should be able to say which side the drone is coming from .
Thanks everyone. I'll make a proper effort to jack the car up first and investigate before I start throwing money at it. I'll let you know how it goes.
