[sarweim]

Hiya! Long time no see. Have an ‘03 1.8 turbo sedan. The other day I had a rhythmic rub sound from the front passenger wheel area, slowing down and then slowly speeding up, like something was coming around and rubbing against something else on each revolution. Fine at speed. Next day I was going to try to record it, and of course nothing. Today I didn’t try to record because I was satisfied that maybe I had a chunk of ice or something and I threw it while driving at speed, and of course, noise is back. Only now at speed and not when slow through the village. Kind of a “tock... tock... tock... tock...” as the wheel rotates, changing in frequency (“tock tock tock tocktocktocktock) with speed traveled. No noticeable odd vibrations in steering wheel. I’m going to check the bearings tomorrow with 3 and 9 wiggle, and spin for noises. Tie rod ends are new within the past year and change. Anything else I should look at/for? And safe to drive?

Thanks in advance.

 

[maxeymum]

Sounds like the axle(s) clicking to me, but don't quote me on that, wait 'til some of the true experts around here chime in with a diagnosis.

 

[PZ]

Look for a rock caught in the tread.

 

[sarweim]

On a scale on 1-10, if that’s what it is, how unsafe would that be to drive on until I can get it fixed?

Sounds like the axle(s) clicking to me, but don't quote me on that, wait 'til some of the true experts around here chime in with a diagnosis.

 

[sarweim]

Will look. That would be a happy thing if that’s it. And since I’ll be lifting and checking for wiggle and noise, that’ll be easy to check for all the way around.

Look for a rock caught in the tread.

 

[jjpark]

Check your tire pressure if you have bigger wheels. I fitted 17" rims and tires to my 04 Passat and the little difference along with low pressure created the tire to rub.

 

[jjpark]

Sounds like the axle(s) clicking to me, but don't quote me on that, wait 'til some of the true experts around here chime in with a diagnosis.

In my experience when they start going bad you usually hear the noise while turning. By the time you hear it while simply driving it's totally gone.

 

[scotts13]

On a scale on 1-10, if that’s what it is, how unsafe would that be to drive on until I can get it fixed?

IF that's what it is, worst case the joint could separate. Then you have no forward "thrust". Doesn't happen often, though.

 

[sarweim]

Ok. It’s the bearings. And it’s ugly. Can’t do video? Shoot. Well, I’ve got bad play 3 & 9, and not quite as bad but still play at 12 & 6. Is that just wheel bearings? Or are the bearings part of the cv joint?

 

[sarweim]

It’s the bearings. Is that on its own, or part of the cv joint? I can’t post the video I took of the wiggle test.

 

[sarweim]

It is the bearings. 3&9 Wiggle is pretty bad. Is that just bearings on their own, or part of the cv joint? What to order from Rock Auto?

On a scale on 1-10, if that’s what it is, how unsafe would that be to drive on until I can get it fixed?

IF that's what it is, worst case the joint could separate. Then you have no forward "thrust". Doesn't happen often, though.

It’s the bearings. Is that on its own, or part of the cv joint? I can’t post the video I took of the wiggle test.

 

[Iowegian]

As luck would have it, there is another thread about wheel bearings just below here: https://www.passatworld.com/forums/...w-photos-front-wheel-bearing-replacement.html

 

[sarweim]

I won’t be doing it myself. No garage, wrong tools. But I have an indy shop who said they can do the whole half shaft assembly replacement for $175. I did a reboot in May, so I’d planned on having that done this spring, anyway. But I need to be sure - are the bearings a part of the cv half shaft assembly??

As luck would have it, there is another thread about wheel bearings just below here: https://www.passatworld.com/forums/...w-photos-front-wheel-bearing-replacement.html

 

[Iowegian]

No, the bearings are completely separate from the CV shaft. The CV shaft needs to be removed to access the bearings so you will need a new axle bolt (it is a one-time use bolt) but otherwise the axle and CV don't need to be replaced.

 

[sarweim]

Great. So this part?
https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog...ake+&+wheel+hub,wheel+bearing+&+hub+kit,10520

No, the bearings are completely separate from the CV shaft. The CV shaft needs to be removed to access the bearings so you will need a new axle bolt (it is a one-time use bolt) but otherwise the axle and CV don't need to be replaced.

 

[Iowegian]

That looks right. You might want to confirm the size since I think it changed on the 1.8t over the years. 75mm for a 2003 sounds right but it might depend on build date. There were some recent posts here with more details so search for those if you have time. The new bolt is included in the kit so that should be all that is needed.

 

[sarweim]

Awesome! Thanks!

That looks right. You might want to confirm the size since I think it changed on the 1.8t over the years. 75mm for a 2003 sounds right but it might depend on build date. There were some recent posts here with more details so search for those if you have time. The new bolt is included in the kit so that should be all that is needed.