Help, strange rhythmic noise from rear... when I coast...

2k328Ci · 04-09-2006, 08:38 PM

Hi all,

I was driving my car on such beautiful day, all day, and everything was fine. I parked it downtown for the evening, then on the way home, I noticed a low rhythmic sound coming from the rear undercarriage accompanied by a slight vibration that shuddered with the noise. When I accelerated or was driving fast, it seemed to diminish, but when my foot was off the accelerator (coasting or engine braking) it seemed to intensify. I thought it could of been the tires, but they seemed to check out. Probably a wheel bearing.

Any ideas on costs to repair wheel bearings? Suggest dealership or some good independant shop in east end of downtown Toronto or Beaches. I was thinking AutoTrend.

Any ideas or suggestions?
Thanks.

Justin e36 · 04-10-2006, 04:37 AM

Hey... if the sound is a 'wobbling' sound like a woowoowoo, that changes with wheel speed, and likely the loudness changes when cornering, then it's a wheel bearing.

However, the problem could be any number of things... driveshaft, guibo, differential, etc. Best to get it checked out by a mechanic before investing your money.

I'd recommend www.rmpmotors.com or www.bimmersport.ca ... both quality, well known BMW mechanics with great prices.

2k328Ci · 04-10-2006, 07:09 PM

Well, in case anyone is interested (to close off this saga) - I found out that it wasn't anything mechanical with the car (thank God!). In fact, it was my rear tire nuts backing out and the tire being loose and vibrating at speeds. I had just gone to Tire Depot on Danforth east of Victoria Park last weekend to switch over from my winter tires to my summer shoes - I guess they forgot to tighten them. AutoTrend ended up charging me 1/2 labour $47.50 to diagnose the problem (a test drive around the block) and tightening my 4 wheels.

Justin e36 · 04-11-2006, 02:08 AM

Damn, you're lucky you caught the problem before the wheel fell off. I'd go back to Tire Depot and ask for a partial refund or credit. That's not a small thing to overlook.

Glad you're ok, and your car is driving as normal again.