neuronbob

Lately, I've heard a the sound described in the title, mostly at very slow speeds....woo-woo-woo-woo-woo.....and so on, at regular intervals that slow as the car does. It's not that noticeable at above 35 mph or so, though road noise has increased somewhat. There has been no change in the handling of the car or a pulsing feeling when I use the brakes normally. Seems slightly worse when turning the car to the right. I've had no accidents or hit any big potholes recently. About 16.5 k miles on the car.

Any ideas? I'm afraid it might be the right CV joint, given that it is slightly worse when I turn in that direction, but I'm no car mechanic, so I don't know. Sounds like unexpected trip to dealer #2 ....maybe I can combine that with an install of the Comptech sway bar.

TIA!

Bonedoc

well, I have had VWs in the past that made a similar sound at low speeds, louder when turning in one direction, that required CV replacement. Twice, the protective rubber boot around the joint had come loose or torn, which leads to rapid deteriation. If curious, take a peak at both CVs see if they are intact from the outside. If so, then maybe you just got a bum CV joint. 16.5K is way early for failure, but sh*t happens. Let us know how you like the Comptech sway bar.

neuronbob

How can I tell that the CV joint is intact? Again, not a mechanic, don't know where to look. Thanks.

Lore

What's a CV joint? Sometimes I hear some noise when I have my steering wheel turned hard right or hard left, but I'm not sure if it's just my mind playing tricks on me or if it's something legitimately broken.

wolftag

Does the noise go away when you apply the brakes?

The brake pads are always resting on the rotor, even when you aren't applying the break. It can make some noise, especially if there is some dust built up. Turning the steering wheel can cause the noise to change as there are different forces on the wheel.

Ron A

The CV (constant velocity) joint is the part that couples the drive axle to the wheel. Think of it as a fancy u-joint. It is covered by a cylindical rubber boot, as bonedoc said, and if it cracks, the smallest amount of dirt allowed to enter will quickly cause failure of the CV joint.

There is another joint, similar to the CV joint, on the inboard side of the axle, which connects the axle to the transaxle.

Both rubber boots, on each axle, left and right, should be inspected periodically for cracking or holes. Evidence of grease in that area is not a good thing, espcecially if it came from inside the boots.

neuronbob

The noise is present whether or not the brakes are applied. Thanks!