Road Speed Droning Noise

[En Avant]

I have owned my 2017 Scirocco R for a couple of years and which now has about 72,000 miles on it. In general, I am very happy with the car but recently have a new problem…

There is now a loud droning noise that seems to be speed related. If I put the car into neutral (DSG ‘box) and let the engine idle, the noise level stays the same and changes pitch only with road speed. It is particularly noticeable around 70 MPH.

About 2,500 miles ago I changed the tyres for Michelin Pilot Sport 5 (235/40 R18) and the car was great. It’s only recently that the droning noise has started.

After reading through some forum posts about the Sawtooth tyre-wear issue, I rotated the tyres (X-pattern) but without any change to the noise. While swapping the wheels around I checked for excessive play on the bearings and it all seemed good to me.

Any suggestions as to what I can try next?

Thanks in advance.

[1.4_tsi]

When you're travelling at 70, does the sound change when you steer slightly to the left or slightly to the right? If so, that would suggest a wheel bearing issue.

In the early stages of wheel bearing failure, you won't necessarily detect any play, but if you spin the wheel as fast as you can by hand, you may detect a rumble. Compare left and right wheels on each axle

[Ragnar Lothbrok]

I second the wheel bearing hypothesis, have it checked out.