Strange problem
Strange problem Ok, got out of work early today, was getting an alignment on my 01 formula A4 w/3:23, and the guy takes the car for a test drive. He comes back, puts the car back on the lift with a guy in the drivers seat. Once the car is up, they put it in gear and start running the car. The guy on the ground has a pry bar to the rear and he's moving it around back and forth across the axles, with the other end of the bar to his ear. He comes and tells me I have a bad axle bearing, real bad, and it should be changed ASAP.
The car only has 55,000 on it and the rear has never been messed with. Has anyone else had this problem? I've had cars with much more mileage and never had any problems with axle bearings. I have been hearing a hum lately at highway speeds, but no grinding or mettallic noises. I'm just looking for some input as to if something else caused this problem or is it just a freak?
The car has never been to the track, but has had it's share of rough driving.
Any input would be appreciated. Thanks.
The car only has 55,000 on it and the rear has never been messed with. Has anyone else had this problem? I've had cars with much more mileage and never had any problems with axle bearings. I have been hearing a hum lately at highway speeds, but no grinding or mettallic noises. I'm just looking for some input as to if something else caused this problem or is it just a freak?
The car has never been to the track, but has had it's share of rough driving.
Any input would be appreciated. Thanks.
low oil level sure could be one reason. Another reason is the crappiness of these rearends. putting this little of a rear in this powerful of a car was not a smart move on gm's part. even just giving it hell on the street on street tires is enough to make them **** out......sadly.
11 Second Club
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 165
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From: Tallahassee,FL
does your rear end howl more when turning in one direction then the other. a slight whine will denote some ring and pinion wear, and i'd imagine an axle bearing might sound more like a grind. is the guy telling you which side axle bearing--more important-how much was his estimate to replace one or both. i'm just wondering if someone is trying to sell you something you don't need.
my .02
my .02
The guy says $250-$300 if the axle isn't chewed up. If it is chewed more like $500. He said it is the drivers side axle bearing. I told him not to touch it, and I brought it to the dealer (still under warranty-just barely). I'm concerned however, if the fluid was low they won't cover it. (my fault) I get my oil changed at a local joint, so I can keep records as to not void my warranty. One of their listed services is to check differential fluid, which I have the reciept saying it was done 3 months ago. I am afraid those clowns are just marking it ok on the check list and checking nothing. I'll find out the deal tomorrow when they call me with an estimate. Thanks for all your input. I'll post the outcome.
Well the warranty covered it. 
I feel much better now. They are replacing all the bearings in the rear, and one axle. For once the extended warranty finally paid off! Thanks again.
I feel much better now. They are replacing all the bearings in the rear, and one axle. For once the extended warranty finally paid off! Thanks again. 
