Is it a wheel bearing?

[Gazza450]

So I used my 2007 V8V for a 200 mile round trip this weekend and the car ran fine but on the motorway I became aware of a "drone" or rotating noise from behind the rear bulkhead which at 70 (+ish) was actually louder than the engine but I can't actually define if it comes from on side or the other. I am hoping it is a wheel bearing but am concerned it could be the diff/transaxle. It has new Bridgestnes so It's not a tyre issue. How can I identify what it is likely to be? The car has only done 32k miles and has a full Dealer service history so all fluids have been changed as required. Any suggestions or ideas?

[divetheworld]

Lift it and spin the wheels. It'll be obvious if you know what you're listening to.

[Greg Vos]

The tone and noise will also change if you listen to it as you take a few bends, normally easy to pick up
Let us know how it goes just remember when you lift the wheel you must pull it 12 - 6 and 9-3 you will feel it rocking

[bogie]

I had 3 out of 4 wheel bearings go over the years on my old 4.3 Vantage. The noise got worse until such a point I didn't feel like driving it anymore.

As previous posts, should be easy to diagnose if you lift the car up.

[Gazza450]

Thanks for the quick response. I am away all week but will get it off the ground next weekend and see if I can find any movement. I'm not aware of any weakness in the transmission so hopefully it's wheel bearings. Any thoughts on what they cost to replace?

[bogie]

New hub bearing pack is about £300 plus couple of hours labour.

[divetheworld]

Yup. HWM list £270 inc VAT for a hub assembly.
Astonbits are £18 more expensive than Aston.
You could try ringing your local dealer and try and get a better price.

[Murph7355]

bogie said:

I had 3 out of 4 wheel bearings go over the years on my old 4.3 Vantage. The noise got worse until such a point I didn't feel like driving it anymore.

As previous posts, should be easy to diagnose if you lift the car up.

Did yours go later in its life? I know you did 20k or so more than I ended up doing in mine...but I never had one replaced.

[bogie]

Murph7355 said:

bogie said:

I had 3 out of 4 wheel bearings go over the years on my old 4.3 Vantage. The noise got worse until such a point I didn't feel like driving it anymore.

As previous posts, should be easy to diagnose if you lift the car up.

Did yours go later in its life? I know you did 20k or so more than I ended up doing in mine...but I never had one replaced.

Had the first one go about 45K miles, one about 65k and then 78K mile ish