Low speed vibration

[Capri3000]

Hi everyone, I have a 2003 Mazda 6 Sport, I have owned it for about 4 years now and have noticed a worsening in a droning noise coming from the running gear, it seems to be at low speeds only, above 40mph it seems fine. It is particularly pronounced when the car is fully laden especially when going on holiday with all our gear in. I have suspected the bearings but if that was the cause I would have thought the noise would be constant. The noise almost sounds like gearbox but I am at a loss to be honest. Has anyone else experienced this phenominan in an older 6?

My car has only covered 51000 miles by the way so there should be plenty of life in the old girl yet!

Thanks

Regards

Phil.

[saddler5]

Sounds like differential to me. Check tyres for signs of uneven wear as diff. problems would cause a wheel to drag or snatch on cornering

[Capri3000]

Thanks for your reply, the passenger side wheel does wear on the outside more than the drivers side front wheel and I have had the tracking checked.

[bazzamf]

You'll probably find that it's a wheel bearing that's worn. They can make quite a noise when they are on their way out. Not too expensive to rectify. Any garage can do it for you.