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My 2000 528i wagon is making a loud humming or vibrating noise when I drive. Seems like the rear end to me because it's not affected by RPM, only speed. It is the worst at 43 MPH. Help?
Country: United StatesMake: BMWModel: 528i wagonYear: 2000 Already Tried: I have removed the roof racks to eliminate that possibility. I have listened with the windows down to see if it is coming from a particular wheel, but it seems to be from the center of the car.
Hello,
The typical failure is actually one or both of the rear wheel bearings. If you drive the vehicle in a tight circle to see if the noise is more prevalent in one direction it may help to find if this is one or both wheel bearings.
The vehicle should also be checked on a lift and using a stethoscope the wheel bearings can be checked and the rear differential can be checked.
You can also drain the fluid from the rear differential or look for any leaks that may have been occurring by looking at the input of the drive shaft and the output flange for the rear wheels.
I have seen a few differentials fail but the common failure is the wheel bearings.
Please provide positive feedback or reply back and I will try to help you further. Thank you.
Regards,
Roger
Thanks Roger, I will check the bearings as you described. How difficult is it to change the bearings? Are there any special tools required? I am an experienced mechanic, I've just never done this job before.
No problem :)
I have a link for you for instructions for a rear wheel bearing. One trick also is to raise the vehicle on a lift (if possible) and drive the vehicle in the air. Have another person carefully hold the spring on each side of the vehicle one at a time. You can often feel the vibration of the bad bearing in the spring.
Please remember to press positive feedback after reading. It has been my pleasure helping you today.
Rear wheel bearing:
http://tis.spaghetticoder.org/s/view.pl?1/01/30/47
Experience: 10 Years Dealer Experience, Shop Foreman