[cantex]

i have a squeal coming from my front end. working with my mechanic it sounded like the water pump. so we replaced the water pump and while in there replaced the timing belt and tensioners.

next day. squeal.

more detail:
seems to only happen under load or at idle at speed (30 + mph) no noise when in idling in park. also does away when i brake but continues when car is moving. no squeal when the car is cold (first 10 minutes) then tends to start up on when the car car gets hot. up to temp.

im thinking front right wheel bearing?
i had front brakes replaced 6 months ago. could it be be brake dust?
any other ideas?

perplexed in Houston

 

[noobytoogy]

How many miles on your car?

It could be the centre drive [prop] shaft bearing if it hasn't already been replaced.

I always thought these just knocked as they failed, but someone very recently assured me his squealed to start with and the fact there is no noise when stationary would be consistent with the shaft being at rest.

Lots of threads [and pix] on here on what to look for and how to replace for less than half the VW dealer costs.

 

[EdmtTreg]

Bearings don't usually "squeal" in my experience. Grinding or thumping is more usual but I am, admittedly, not wholely familair with drive shaft issue so that could well be it.

Not sure if I have your description right but - if it is not related to engine speed I.E. the noise doesn't increase/decrease with RPM, maybe there is a brake pad dragging? Or a small rock betwen the pad the rotor? This might cause a squeal when the pad is dragging and would go away when the brakes are applied and the pad and rotor heat up?

Interesting problem - good luck and let us know what happens

 

[cantex]

thanks for all the tips.
the car has 66,000 miles.

 

[noobytoogy]

66K is right in the zone for drive/prop shaft centre bearing failure.

Get out, get under and have a good look.

 

[cantex]

Well, it turns out it seems to be the Carrier / driveshaft bearing.
Problem is now the warranty company (not VW ) will not replace it because it is not broken.
So the squeal is driving me nuts, and all i can hope for is failure.

What an odd thing to hope for...
Plus, i still can't figure out why when i apply the brakes the squealing stops

I'm taking bets on how long it will take for complete failure.
It squeals damn near every day now.

 

[ENGINEer]

I bet it is a frequency miss match with your pads and rotors. When the carrier goes bad, you will know it as it will shake the car to bits under accelleration from low speeds.

Where about in houston are you? I may be able to meet you and have a look.

 

[noobytoogy]

When you apply the brakes you take your foot off the accelerator.

When you take your foot off the gas pedal you take the torque or loading off the bearing.

That's my guess.

Ask the warranty company if they will cover the potential, consequential, $8,000 damage to the rest of the transmission if the drive shaft bearing lets go at high speed.

 

[mchrysler]

squeky driveshaft

Found a good VW mechanic, he oiled the bearing on the driveshaft and the sqeaking stopped. Dealer wanted $1500. to replace driveshaft. Mechanic has done this before, works if you have no vibration.

 

[cantex]

so an update.
the problem was/is the driveline bearing. and becasue there was no rattle we decided to try something less expensive.
on the lift, we removed the bracket to see the bearing, and becuase you cant pack it by hand, we rigged an air hose to shoot lithium grease into the bearing. turning the driveshaft the whole time.
once we packed it in there. off the lift. test drive. no squeal.

now i know this wont last forever, but 6 weeks later, not a noise. and no vibration

and if i have to do this every 6 months, no big deal compared to a $1200 drivetrain change out.

 

[Yeti]

You just swap out the drive shaft with a rebuilt or new unit and it should not cost you $1200 to do such.

 

[mchrysler]

Carrier Driveshaft Bearing

I have a fix for this problem. I took my Touareg to a mechanic that works just on German cars. He has a great reputation in my community for honest and fair dealings. I told him that my dealer wanted to change out the entire driveshaft and bearing for a total cost of $1,500. No option. He sprayed some Marvin Mystery Oil on the bearing and that took care of the problem. No Charge. It took 5 minutes. It may need a touch up from time to time but you don't need a new driveshaft and bearing! I hope this helps my fellow owners out there.

 

[V10]

I think what your explaining is really preventative maintenance vs. repair. Most of us when we notice the problem the bearing has already locked up and the rubber it is isolated with is torn from its mounting. VW should have a grease fitting or such so you could lubricate at normal service intervals...Don't know how long lubing with Mystery Oil will last but keep an eye on it...

 

[noobytoogy]

If the bearing is at all suspect, I'd change it without delay.

When it lets go 1] it can be very inconvenient since it can be a recovery job and 2] in certain circumstances it can damage the $8,000 gearbox.

Squirting a bit of oil might seem like a good idea now, but if #2 happens you may regret taking the "free" option.