Stange noise from under the car

[Issy Hey]

I have an ML 270 CDi, I have had this car for 16 months, however it was registered in 2001. Over the last few months a strange noise has started, it sounds like it is coming from under the car, it sounds like a rolling ball bearing.
I have taken the car to a garage to be checked out, they tell me that they are not sure what it is , they think that it is something to do with the bearings on one of the front wheels, they do tell me that if they fix this they cannot guarantee that this will resolve the noise, but the car is safe to drive! The noise happens when I turn right or drive around roundabouts, over bumps or down hills.
Can anyone advise?

 

[turnipsock]

Is there any play in the front wheel bearings?

 

[Blobcat]

no they have to work all the time

 

[Parrot of Doom]

I don't see how the angle of the wheels would affect the noise, if it was a bearing problem - unless there was excessive play.

Are you sure that your tyres aren't rubbing against a bit of bodywork?

 

[philharve]

I have an ML 270 CDi, I have had this car for 16 months, however it was registered in 2001. Over the last few months a strange noise has started, it sounds like it is coming from under the car, it sounds like a rolling ball bearing.
I have taken the car to a garage to be checked out, they tell me that they are not sure what it is , they think that it is something to do with the bearings on one of the front wheels, they do tell me that if they fix this they cannot guarantee that this will resolve the noise, but the car is safe to drive! The noise happens when I turn right or drive around roundabouts, over bumps or down hills.
Can anyone advise?

Hi Issy Hey

Find an open area and slowly drive the car in a circle as if going around a roundabout. Have someone monitor the sound from outside the vehicle. If you can reproduce the sound, the external observer should be able to locate its origin and possibly its cause.

REGARDS Phil

 

[philharve]

no they have to work all the time

Hi Blobcat

Are you feeling alright?

REGARDS Phil

 

[mercowner06]

speek to theese guys

Jeff Fowkes Wheels LTD
station road
ibstock
leicstershire
le67 6jj

tel:01530 263111
www.fowkesauto.com

 

[tom7035]

I don't see how the angle of the wheels would affect the noise, if it was a bearing problem - unless there was excessive play.

Are you sure that your tyres aren't rubbing against a bit of bodywork?

Front wheel bearings are tapered, therefore centrifugal forces cause greater sideways pressures on the bearing surfaces, therefore more noise if worn or 'corrugated'. (Not to be too technical).

 

[bundy]

mmmmm just a thought. we may be barking up the wrong tree!! wheel bearings tend to make a whine or rumble sound when worn! A ball bearing rolling around noise is the complaint! maybe a piece of cat in the exhaust or that kind of thing :-( hope not.
regards ted

 

[tom7035]

I have an ML 270 CDi, I have had this car for 16 months, however it was registered in 2001. Over the last few months a strange noise has started, it sounds like it is coming from under the car, it sounds like a rolling ball bearing.
I have taken the car to a garage to be checked out, they tell me that they are not sure what it is , they think that it is something to do with the bearings on one of the front wheels, they do tell me that if they fix this they cannot guarantee that this will resolve the noise, but the car is safe to drive! The noise happens when I turn right or drive around roundabouts, over bumps or down hills.
Can anyone advise?

You have let the kids out of the boot since your last journey, haven't you?