2005 Vectra SRi rear wheel noise?

helpimcrap

helpimcrap

helpimcrap

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Seems same on different road surfaces - once above 40mph and gets louder the faster you go.....

Sounds like a helicopter taking off. I'd say wheel bearing (not checked yet) but heard it can also be rear tyre being worn? Tyres look ok but could it be because of uneven wear?

No vibrations in seat or through steering wheel.

Opinions?
 
Rear wheel bearings. Had the same noise on 2 cars that needed them replacing. Only ever happened at 50+
 
Orionaut said:
Don't ignore wheel bearing noise. Wheels can actually fall off.
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The wheel could lock up in rare circumstances, but its not going to fall off... :p

That said, a wheel locking up is still bad news so get it looked at. ;)

Easy way to check if its the tyre. Put the spare on and see if the noise stops. Or swap two wheels and see if the noise moves.
 
Orionaut said:
Don't ignore wheel bearing noise. Wheels can actually fall off.
Click to expand...

Haha the bearing could collapse but wheel won't come off.

It's my mum's partners car. I took them to the airport in his car and instantly noticed the noise. He is deaf without hearing aids....

I'll jack it up and do the wheel bearing check.

The thing that worries me the most is it has been like this since they bought it in June and garage said it was low profile tyre noise. If it is wheel bearing what's it done to stub axle?
 
Sounds like the bearing for the noise. Uneven rear tyre wear is usually shocks on the Vectra they are prone to wearing quick. Have a look at the tyres inner edges for low points which can also cause noises which is sometimes confused with bearing noise...
 
Hi all.
Had a local garage check rear wheel bearings and top arms. Spun the wheel and vertical rocking checks etc. All ok.

Tyres seemed to be the problem. Inside edges were raised or flat in sections. Cheap tyres.
 
helpimcrap said:
Tyres seemed to be the problem. Inside edges were raised or flat in sections. Cheap tyres.
Click to expand...

Surely this points to a suspension geometry problem (though I can't attribute flat-spots on tyres to that, doing many handbrake turns?). Can't see why there would be any other reason for there to be a marked step in the tyre wear otherwise.
 
helpimcrap said:
Hi all.
Had a local garage check rear wheel bearings and top arms. Spun the wheel and vertical rocking checks etc. All ok.

Tyres seemed to be the problem. Inside edges were raised or flat in sections. Cheap tyres.
Click to expand...

Shocks are likely to be knackered... Mine did the same. Replaced the shocks & tyres and it was fine after.

Have seen a few with the inside lips with uneven wear on new tyres. Shocks usually fix it or you could be looking at bushes on the arms.
 
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If the edge is uneven its wear from knackered shocks most likely. I had tyres on my Octavia which had alternating low and high points all the way round (quite neatly and uniformally actually!) on the back from where the shocks were knackered. (were replaced before I bought it)

Fortunately it didn't cause any noise or issues in that case though.
 
I was thinking the same as something is causing it. Tyres for now and I'll advise suspension.

£82 for some British make - Dematte or something?
 
Tyres changed but knocking noise from rear I've noticed so advise on suspension overhaul. Top bushes are ok but guessing shocks and bottom arms or anti-roll bar?

Tyres changed by the apprentice who dropped locking wheel nut key down MOT brake test hole so they had to strip that down... Then struggled to change tyres....

If the tyres are still up next time I go to get the car I'll be impressed.
 
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