This 2013 VW Polo came in with the customer describing a constant rumble and drone whilst driving — like the sound of an aeroplane engine. One rear wheel bearing had excessive play and was making a lot of noise at speed. This guide shows how to diagnose the faulty side and replace the complete wheel bearing unit.
On this Polo the rear wheel bearing is a complete bolt-on assembly — it comes off as one unit including the ABS magnetic ring. There is no pressing involved, which makes the job very accessible. The key tool is a 30mm spline socket (M-spline) to remove the central axle nut.
Symptoms of a Worn Rear Wheel Bearing
- Constant droning or rumbling noise whilst driving — often described as sounding like an aeroplane
- Noise gets louder as speed increases
- Excessive side-to-side play when the wheel is grabbed at 3 and 9 o’clock and shaken
- Noise may change slightly when steering left or right (loading the bearing differently)
- ABS warning light if the magnetic ring on the bearing is damaged
Tools & Parts Needed
How to Diagnose Which Side is Faulty
Check both sides before ordering parts. Grab each rear wheel at the 3 and 9 o’clock positions and try to rock it side to side. A good bearing should have zero play. On this Polo the faulty side had obvious wobble and could be felt immediately. Then grab at 12 and 6 o’clock and try again — this checks for different types of play. Any movement at all is a failed bearing.
Step-by-Step Guide
Remove the Wheel & Drum Retaining Screw
Jack up the vehicle safely and remove the rear wheel (5x 19mm bolts). With the wheel off, locate the T30 Torx retaining screw on the face of the drum. This small screw just holds the drum in place for assembly — undo it, give the drum a couple of taps with a hammer if it’s stuck, and it will pull straight off.
Remove the Dust Cap & Central Nut
With the drum off you can see the central hub. Prise off the small dust cap to expose the axle nut. Fit the 30mm M-spline socket — this is the correct tool for these VW/Audi group axle nuts. Use an impact gun or a breaker bar to undo the nut. It will be tight. Once off, the whole wheel bearing hub assembly will pull straight off the stub axle.
Inspect the ABS Sensor & Magnetic Ring
With the old bearing off, inspect the ABS sensor in the hub recess and the magnetic ring around the outside of the old bearing. Clean up the sensor face and check there is no damage and no ABS warning on the dash. If the bearing has been running very badly it can damage the sensor — worth checking before fitting the new unit.
Fit the New Wheel Bearing
Unwrap the new bearing unit and check it matches the old one. Slide it onto the stub axle — it should go on smoothly and spin freely once seated. Fit the new axle nut and tighten it down. The nut torques up to spec and then the dust cap goes back on.
Refit the Drum & Test
Line up the T30 retaining screw hole on the drum with the corresponding hole in the hub and slide the drum back on. Refit the T30 screw. Refit the wheel and lower the car. Grab the wheel and check for play — there should be none. Take it for a test drive and confirm the droning noise is gone.
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