Gearbox or wheel bearing?

[Cooper_GTI]

My GTI has developed a whirring noise, as in it goes "whir whir whir whir", as opposed to a constant whine.

It's not a normal gearbox whine, as it makes the noise when coasting in neutral, but can only be heard at certain speeds.

When you increase speed the pitch doesnt change, but the the spaces between the 'whirs' get closer together.

It is more noticeable at lower speeds i.e. 30 below and different road surfaces seem to change the volume.

It can be felt through the floor at certain speeds (when it's at its loudest)

Now, if it were the gearbox, would the noise still be present in neatrual?

This is what makes me think its a wheel bearing.

However, there is no play in the wheel bearings!

Edited September 19, 2011 by Cooper_GTI

[outdoor stevie]

Just a thought if its a bearing it would normally get louder when loaded so go to a car park and drive in circles in both directions see if theres any difference in the level or change of the noise, if you get a clicking then it can be the cv joint, but its always trickey tracking these noises to their scource

good luck

[Cooper_GTI]

The noise doesnt really change when more load is applied to one side, which is why i thought it could be gearbox.

I'm thinking either diff, or main input shaft bearing.

[north wales loop]

all the wheels done up nice and tight?

i had this once and one of my wheels had worked its way loose!

good luck