Squeaky wheels on the B3s

Broch · Post by **Broch** » Mon Jul 23, 2018 1:06 am

Normally I drive with the windows up and the ac on, but tonight as it was still warm, but a very nice evening, I decided to switch off the ac and open all the windows.
Whilst driving slow through a narrow street, I noticed at least a couple of wheels are squeaking. Sounds like the front wheels, but could be the rears.
Anyone know if the bearings on the fronts are sealed for life?
I'm just looking at my options here before I give it to the garage

Thanks for any info in advance

Onzie

Hector's Dad · Post by **Hector's Dad** » Mon Jul 23, 2018 9:54 am

Are you sure it's wheels squeaking? I ask as I had a noise which I first though was something stuck in the tyre but it turned out to be my centre caps. I confirmed this by taking them off and the noise disappeared. Put them back on for later investigation but the noise had still disappeared!

Broch · Post by **Broch** » Mon Jul 23, 2018 10:29 am

I'd the centres off yesterday to check the pressures, and yes the squeaking was still there afterwards

Hector's Dad · Post by **Hector's Dad** » Mon Jul 23, 2018 3:44 pm

Did you actually drive with them off? If so then they're definitely not the culprit. I anticipated adding some thin foam under them but as putting them back on (obviously in a slightly different position) fixed it I haven't bothered.

Broch · Post by **Broch** » Mon Jul 23, 2018 4:47 pm

Hector's Dad wrote:Did you actually drive with them off?

Thanks, but no I didn't try that, but I will and see if that's a cure. The centres are tight to get on on this car, where I had experience with slack centres on my old D3.
I'll report back in due course

scalesg · Post by **scalesg** » Mon Jul 23, 2018 6:28 pm

I had the same issue but only noticeable at low speeds, when speeding up the squeak got faster and then disappeared. Turned out my front brake pads has split in half

DogWagen · Post by **DogWagen** » Mon Jul 23, 2018 11:02 pm

As above - I'd check the brake pads - they can stick a bit and squeak. My rear brakes squeak a bit in reverse but not going forward. I'll be stripping, cleaning and lubricating when I get a free day.

By contrast, if it was a bearing problem, I'd expect to hear a rumble which increases in volume when cornering.

HTH

Mike