Damsel In Distress. Can You Knights Diagnose A Rumble For Me Please?

[EliseClara]

My chariot, a 2004 C2 SX has a front end rumble nearly as raucous as a 
dragon with wind! Methinks perchance it may be a wheel bearing or 
driveshaft. It still happens in neutral so it is not an engine 
problem. The noise increases with roadspeed but decreases when the 
wheels are turned to either side. I have had my stable lad look and 
check nothing is chaffing (except his breeches!).

Pray, do tell your view as to the cause and inform me how to deal with 
the matter lest I should have to resort to my palfrey. I live in 
Surrey so, if you know of a skilled but honest blacksmith please do 
tell pretty please nicely.

With all gratitude,

Elise

 

[paul.h]

Welcome to the forum.

 

It does sound as though it is a wheel bearing. To check which wheel it is, jack it up and spin the wheel, the worn bearing may be heard or feel a bit rough when turning. Also try rocking the wheel holding its top and bottom and see if there is any play. After using the car the hub may also be a bit warmer than the other ones. A new front one on the eurocarparts website is about £60 (if the car has abs) and fitting time is supposed to be about 2 hours (diy a lot more) giving in the order of £200 if you need to pay somebody to do it. To fit it requires the brake caliper, brake disc and wheel hub, and hub carrier to be removed so the bearing can be pressed out and replaced.

 

To get a price I would phone a few dealers/garages, ones you or friends have used before and can trust. Citroen dealers are not necessarily dearer than smaller garages since they are used to the car, will have any special tools (if needed), so should be able to do a job quickly.

[EliseClara]

Thanks.  I'll let you know if that was the problem