Last week my Polo mk2 started making a rumbling noise fron the front wheels at 25-30mph.

Initial thoughts were a wheel bearing but this does not seem to be what is causing the noise. There is a very small amount of play on the n/s wheel and the o/s is fine, however when I had the car jacked up and spun the wheels by hand there was a noise coming from the box/section in the middle which the two shafts go into (apologies for lack of correct terminology!)

Can anyone shed any light on what could be causing this and the part at fault?

Thanks in advance.

I'm really not sure where you mean but the second thing that cums to mind wen you say play in the wheel is ball joint?? maybe wrong!

when you say play is it from side to side or up and down?

Edited 8 September, 200719 yr by Lew22

I'm really not sure where you mean but the second thing that cums to mind wen you say play in the wheel is ball joint?? maybe wrong!

when you say play is it from side to side or up and down?

I took the wheel off both sides and when I got hold of the disc on the n/s it had a very very small amount movement unlike the o/s one. IIRC I don't think it was more one way than th other. I had thought this would mean bearing but you think ball joint, would this a bigger job than a bearing?

Any ideas about the rumbling noise which is what is concerning me most at the moment?

Thanks for your help.

Hi

You need to check for play with your wheels on. If your using the disk to check, the play your feeling in the disk may just be the that the screw holding the disk on is slightly loose.

The noise you can hear from the diff casing (where the shafts join to) may be worn diff bearings, however i'm not sure about this.

Finally, changing a ball joint (track rod or bottom arm) is less of a job than a wheel bearing. To change the wheel bearing you need to remove the strut, and have the bearing removed and renewed using a press.

Hope this helps

Sion

like ed says, sounds like CV joint

Sounds to me like the gearbox end bearings, is yours a four speed box?? very common on them.

Just double check the noise is coming from the far end of the box and not the diff at the rear of the box.

like ed says, sounds like CV joint

I did try feeling for play with the wheels on and there was no movement (which is good news!) so will check all bolts secure fixing disc.

Are the bearings in the diff a difficult job to do? I need to buy a workshop manual for the car so I can read up on this properly, but it would be useful to know if I should get it booked into garage now or wait. Any ideas how much money I would be looking at at a garage for diff bearings?

Thanks for all your help, it is really appreciated!!!

Didn't read your post before my last one. Will get the car jacked up securely and take another look at it.

Cheers

Yes, it is a 4 speed box.

G reg and has done 63k.

If yours is a 4 speed gearbox,the end bearings can be done in situ as the end plate on the gearbox unbolts for access. all you need then is a suitable puller to pull the bearing and race out.

If its a five speed or the diff is noisy,the repair is best left to a specialist T.B.H.

If your anywhere near Sunderland I have a mint 4 speed gearbox with 50k on it (with driveshafts) you can have for free :)

WOW! Unfortunately I am essex, but thanks for the very generous offer heartagram.

I'll let you know how I get on.

like ed says, sounds like CV joint

I did try feeling for play with the wheels on and there was no movement (which is good news!) so will check all bolts secure fixing disc.

Are the bearings in the diff a difficult job to do? I need to buy a workshop manual for the car so I can read up on this properly, but it would be useful to know if I should get it booked into garage now or wait. Any ideas how much money I would be looking at at a garage for diff bearings?

Thanks for all your help, it is really appreciated!!!

CV wouldnt necessarily give play like a hub bearing. Usually tell tale signs would be rumble on full lock or any scathing or damage to the CV boot. Ironically i have a brand new one sitting here awaiting a new home if need be.

diff bearings arent too bad but it means you have to have the gearbox out to get in. prob about 2hours for someone who knows what they are doing, about 6 if it were me (trips back and forth for broken tools etc)

building from what phillgx said, its best to ask around garages for an official verdict and then for quotes as labour can vary.

plus these types of issues can often involve a few other bits needing to be done at the same time (gaskets, gearbox oil... etc).