2001 A4 makes HOWL noise at high speeds- but not when turning left???

[F013461]

Hello Audi Geniuses, I am reaching out to those Audi experts that are more clever that I am when it comes to this head scratcher: I have a 2001 Audi A4 1.8T with 165,000 miles. When I am driving at high speeds (50 MPH and higher) I can start to hear the front of my car make a “howl” noise. The noise gets louder as I go faster. The real head scratcher: When I turn left, the noise reduces, when I drive straight or turn right, the noise continues. A little background: I had the upper and lower control arms replaced over a year ago and had the car professionally aligned. No problems since that time. The noise has increased for the last new months. Four new tires on 6 months ago hoping it would fix the noise, no such luck. Possible clues: I just noticed that my right CV boot is cracked 100% and there is grease all over the connection. I have already ordered a replacement. I am sure most cars get louder as they get older, but the whole left, right thing is weird, right? Any advice you have would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for looking. Jim

[Ginch]

Hi Jim,
Did you ever get this sorted. I have exactly the same issue and suspect the wheel bearing or CV joint...wheel bearing's are a pain to change though, so hoping it's the CV

Cheers
Gary

[mhs525]

Originally Posted by Ginch

Hi Jim,
Did you ever get this sorted. I have exactly the same issue and suspect the wheel bearing or CV joint...wheel bearing's are a pain to change though, so hoping it's the CV

Cheers
Gary

I recently had a howl coming from the drive train and it was the left front wheel bearing. My dealer replaced the right one at the same time because they said it was also a little noisy. Sounds fine now.