metallic chirping noise

[asha]

Hi,

I have a 08 TS2 5dr and have noticed an annoying metallic chirping noise.  It only happens after the car has warmed up for a few miles, but once it's there it's there for the duration.  It is most prominent at between 20 and 30 mph and gets more frequent as speed increases and less frequent as it slows.  I'm assuming it must be something to with the wheels / bearings as it happens regardless of gearing / turning, accelerating or decelerating.  I do intend to take it to the dealer at some stage but would appreciate any heads up on what might be causing it.

Thanks, Ash

[andy_g]

I've read somewhere on here about a problem with the rear wheel bearings so it could be them I'd get it to a dealer asap just incase.

[cuke2u]

Hi, there was a recall with the rear bearings that affected 07-08 models, and might ber later. Your dealer should know if your car had the recall...
Chris

[asha]

Thanks for the comments.  The wheel bearing(s) were replaced last year when I complained of a very loud grumbling / vibration when driving.  So do you guys think that a wheel bearing is a likely culprit this time as this noise is somewhat different to the grumbling / vibration experienced last time?  I hope I'm not going to need new bearings every year as that could prove expensive once the warranty expires!  Many thanks for your thoughts.

[Si]

Both of our 08 reg TS2s had the rear bearings replaced under the recall.

My wife's was then recalled again and is due for another replacement in a couple of weeks time.  The dealer is doing mine at the same time and is also going to investigate a squeaking noise that I have reported to them.  The description of "metallic chirping" sounds familar to me.  I only hear it when I have the window down and haven't been able to trace where it is coming from. 

Both cars have done under 15000 miles and I share your concerns on the longevity if it does turn out to be the bearings again. I don't have the figures to hand but was quoted around £345 for one year's extended warranty and over £500 for two years - that would include the current breakdown cover but some parts would be classed as wear and tear so would no longer be covered, the dealer assured me the rear bearings would be.

[asha]

Well, dealer had a look at it yesterday.  It was an awful day for trying to hear noises as it was teaming rain and very windy, but the tech who came out with me said could hear something.  He had it on the ramp, and said there's nothing obviously broken or loose.  He lubricated everything and said see how it is.

Well it's no different so it's going in for two days towards the end of the month to be thoroughly investigated!  Hope they can sort it as once it starts (after about half an hour of driving) it just gets louder and louder the more you drive it, which isn't a problem for short trips around town but I'm a bit reluctant to travel too far with it at the moment!

Si - let me know how you get on at the dealer.

[sjtown]

I'm pretty sure this will be the drive shaft carrier bearing, mine went at the beginning of the year, exactly how you described it!
Get them to put it on the ramps and drive it free wheeling, they can then locate the noise easily!

Oddly my rear wheel bearing also went in between booking the car in and taking it over to be sorted out! so that's 3 bearings all on the same wheel for my 57 Sport!

Steve

[asha]

Thanks for that info Steve.  That might well be what it is.  I'll tactfully mention that it might be worth looking at the drive shaft carrier bearing when I take it in next week.  Although a few people have commented that it might be wheel bearings, one (or more) of my bearings were replaced last year and the noise is quite different this time around.  Last year, the sound was a deep rumble and this time it's a chirping sound, so quite different.  Besides, the local dealer have obviously replaced enough wheel bearings to diagnose that fault - it took them all of two minutes!

So has anyone else had drive shaft carrier bearing problems?  Oh, and although it's only happened to me once so far, does anyone actually know why wheel bearings keep failing?

[Si]

Si - let me know how you get on at the dealer.

Sorry for the delay in an updating this.  Sod's Law struck and the noise stopped between me telling them about it and the car being booked in!  I will keep an eye (ear) on it though.

[asha]

Well here's an update on this one for anyone interested.  The dealer had the car for a week and diagnosed the problem as 'the brake adjuster had become loose'.  Anyway, after having the car back for a few weeks the noise has to all intents and purposes gone.  I've only heard it twice since, on very hot days after driving for well over an hour, with all the windows done and radio off, but even then it was quiet enough not to be an issue.