rs4vr

On our 2011 Q5 3.2, we are getting a humming noise that starts about 10-15 minutes after we begin driving if the car is cold.

- The hum can be heard loudly from the drivers seat
- The hum can be felt as a buzz (very slight) in the steering wheel
- The hum begins at about 20-25mph and is the same pitch regardless of speed or road composition (grooved, asphalt, cement etc)
- The hum does not change with RPM
- The hum does not change or go away if the vehicle is placed into neutral.

I originally thought it was tire noise, but I'm thinking it's something else at this point.

Any ideas?

Thanks!

1atlas

Fan or fan speed regulator? Is the climate control on auto and functioning properly?

Reggie

Tire noise varies with the surface.

I'd have to look at bearings, cv joints and the power steering.

rs4vr

Thanks for bringing this up... Turning off climate control, switching modes, increasing fan speeds etc.. has no effect on the noise.

rs4vr

Thanks Reggie.. I can definitely hear the tire noise, which does change with the surface.

This noise is definitely a layer of noise on top of tire noise which does not change in pitch when the road surface changes.

However, for what it is worth, it does seem to be a bit louder with grooved cement highway (but that could be in my head as the tires are a LOT louder on this type of road).

gat821

It's not something from the speakers/subwoofer?

RichSeeg

I have the same issue. Definitely not a tyre noise. Seems to only happen when doing over 120km

eppoh7

read this thread:

https://www.audiworld.com/forums/sho...+humming+noise

hazellp

I know I'm late to the game by 5.5 years....but I hope my insights may save someone some time and frustration.

My 2015 Q5 had the exact same humming noise as described by the OP. Jumping to the punchline...the dealer identified the issue as front wheel bearings. Dealer replaced both sides on warranty. Issue resolved.

Turns out there is an Audi tech bulletin that pretty much describes the noise exactly as the OP described the noise. Drivers side, coming from dash or steering wheel, humming noise fluctuates directly with wheel speed and not engine speed.

salvar01

You are spot on, my friend! I checked my power steering fluid level and sure enough it's at minimum level. After topping off the humming noise went away. Thank you!