1996 BMW Z3 rear end warble sound

Tiny
GMCREYNOLDS
  • MEMBER
  • 1996 BMW Z3
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • MANUAL
  • 106,000 MILES
I am getting a warble/low res sound from rear end when car is decelerating all the way to a stop. It gets louder as it comes to a stop and seems to be less loud on accelerations. Z3 has 114k miles on it. I bought it @ 81k and this recently started. Any thoughts? Thanks, Greg
Thursday, February 10th, 2011 AT 3:15 PM

8 Replies

Tiny
DOCHAGERTY
  • MECHANIC
  • 9,603 POSTS
Noise is poorly transmitted in cyberspace, have a trip to your BMW service provider scheduled straightaway, it could be a failing wheel bearing.
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Friday, February 11th, 2011 AT 2:14 PM
Tiny
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Thanks Doc. This is not a daily driver so I will wait for warmer weather and pull bearings on both rear wheels to check for wear and replace as needed. Greg
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Friday, February 11th, 2011 AT 3:39 PM
Tiny
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"Check for" is different than "pull" I recommend you elevate the car and with the DSC deactivated, let the rear wheels turn at low speed(first gear) and listen for the rumble of a bad wheel bearing. The rear wheel bearings are angular contact type ball bearings, so pulling them is recommended only if the bearing presents as bad.
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Friday, February 11th, 2011 AT 4:20 PM
Tiny
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It also takes special tools to change the bearing, so dont try this one at home.
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Friday, February 11th, 2011 AT 4:22 PM
Tiny
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Thanks for the "quick check" will do this first. If needed will go the other route. We have all the tools needed per Haynes manual and mechanic on site (not me) if have to dig further. Greg
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Friday, February 11th, 2011 AT 4:33 PM
Tiny
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It's all good, just want you to an informed consumer.
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Friday, February 11th, 2011 AT 4:59 PM
Tiny
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You are great. Really like having an experienced ear to listen and give knowledgeable input. Learned over the years to listen and take advice rather than learning from my own mistakes. Thanks
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Friday, February 11th, 2011 AT 5:06 PM
Tiny
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Kool. And the gang
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Friday, February 11th, 2011 AT 11:48 PM

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