Are my rear tyres causing road noise from my 2005 Audi A3 Sportback?

I have a 2005 Audi A3 Sportback with a 1.6 FSI engine. I recently heard a noise that I thought may have been a wheel bearing. A mechanic checked and found the bearings OK. He suggested that the noise was from an unevenly-worn rear tyre (Michelin 225x45 R17 Pilot Sport). I have had this replaced with a part-worn Michelin Radial XSE. Now the noise is now worse. Do you have any suggestions for remedying this?

Asked on 21 March 2011 by PS, via email

Answered by Honest John

Replace both rear tyres. What happens is that when a tyre wears down, more of its surface area in contact with the surface of the road. The wider the tyre, the worse this will be. So wide, low profile tyres generally get very noisy over the last 5,000 miles of their lives.

Tags: wheels and tyres low profile tyres road noise tyres

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