[NIkedecades]

Hello, I have a loud whirring noise coming from below the centre console.

It's the exact same sound as described in this youtube video.

2013 VW TOUAREG whining noise Driveshaft center support bearing.

This is on my 2013 TDI, with almost 190 000km. This video is at low speed, and is worse when cold. At higher speed it sometimes comes and goes away random.Th...

youtube.com

He says its the bearing and not the rubber mount and he had to replace the entire drive shaft.

Can someone please expand on this issue for me? It is absolutely necessary to replace the entire part? Seems expensive!

 

[SaVAGeSoot]

Search for hanger bearing. It's been discussed to death. You can have just the bearing replaced if you go to a shop that's competent.

 

[New2Tregs]

Hello, I have a loud whirring noise coming from below the centre console.

It's the exact same sound as described in this youtube video.

2013 VW TOUAREG whining noise Driveshaft center support bearing.

This is on my 2013 TDI, with almost 190 000km. This video is at low speed, and is worse when cold. At higher speed it sometimes comes and goes away random.Th...

youtube.com

He says its the bearing and not the rubber mount and he had to replace the entire drive shaft.

Can someone please expand on this issue for me? It is absolutely necessary to replace the entire part? Seems expensive!

It does sound like a bad bearing noise.
If it were the rubber mount you would most likely hear a knocking noise from under the center armrest. You can check the bearing mount by crawling underneath and seeing if there is excessive play in it.

 

[TommiT]

The prop / drive shaft centre bearing is a very well known failure point on Generation 1 cars, the T1 and the T2, where there are several different fixes ranging from $0 (The Jimi Fix) to $2,000 (new shaft)!

However there have been very few reported failures on the Generation 2 cars, the T3 and T4, but I don't recall anyone coming up up with any of the Gen 1 quick (and cheap) fixes.

 

[SaVAGeSoot]

Here's one of the hits from the search I suggested running above

I need part numbers! (Driveshaft Carrier Bearing...

Does anyone know where to get parts diagrams, specifically for the T3 rear driveshaft? I need to get part numbers for all the clips, O-rings and center support bearing. I found a few online VW dealers, but they don't seem to have a diagram and they only list the whole driveshaft. Thanks! Todd

www.clubtouareg.com

 

[TommiT]

That's a good thread with lots of how-to pix too.

 

[SaVAGeSoot]

It also mentions how some of us have taken a "zip tie" approach and just injected grease into our failing units to prolong the inevitable.

 

[NIkedecades]

Forgot to mention 2011 VR6

Hey everyone, so I did more research and I am positive the bearing has gone, and not the rubber bushing. As I went under and inspected the bushing and it seemed 100%, zero play.

So what to do... I have narrowed it down to 2 options.

- Option 1: Replace entire drive shaft with new or used ($1200-$800 not including install)

- Option 2: Remove driveshaft and take to local shop to be rebuilt ($350 not including install)

From this very informative video I watched, I will not be attempting to replace the bearing myself, it involves a lot of components that are press fit, which means special tools to take it apart and put back.

(For the uninformed on what the job actually entails to replace this centre support brearing, this is a great video)

I'm somewhat handy, so I think I could potentially remove the drive shaft myself or with a buddy.

I'm not sure the extent to how long I can run the car with the bearing shot like this. I WFH often and weekly driving is usually around 50km maybe. I will go back under this weekend and spray the area with WD-40 and maybe put a little wheel bearing grease and see what happens.

If anyone has any tips on removeing a drive shaft your self I'd be open to the insight.

 

[TommiT]

Just get it rebuilt.

 

[happy guy]

If its the centre bearing, then best option Ive found is to take car to a driveshaft specialist to repair. They’ll remove the shaft, cut off and replace the bearing, re balance it and refit all in a few hours for around $450. Easy and you’ll still retain your quality OEM shaft.