Sportbrake - irritating droning noise

[IanC.]

I have a petrol sportbrake with a very irritating droning noise which seems to resonate around the rear of the car, it's more noticeable at low speeds. Before I contact the dealer about this I thought I would ask if anyone has had this problem. If it was older I would probably think it was a wheel bearing but it is only 5 months old with 800 miles on the clock . Could it be tyre noise?. It has Goodyear Eagle F1's fitted. I would appreciate any suggestions.

[andypryce]

Hi Ian,

I sometimes get a similar noise which seems to be related to the gears, mainly at low revs and lowish speed, almost like a booming which resonates through the car, but not regularly and not enough to be a nuisance, have you tried driving using the paddles instead of auto to see if it goes?

[IanC.]

Sorry for the late reply Andy, I've been away for a few days. I'll try what you suggested and let you know. Cheers.

[IanC.]

I've driven the car using the paddle shift and also put it into neutral going down a hill, I can still hear a booming-droning noise. I am now thinking that it is coming from the tyres.

[andypryce]

I agree most likely yes, if it's so new then I guess back to Jaguar to investigate under warranty? I have the same tyres so I presume they are the standard fit from the factory. It will be interesting to see what they say, I wonder if any other XF owners have the same experience?

[davidr]

Hi Ian - I've had this before where tyres have worn unevenly. Try running your hand around the contact surface of the tyre. Is it smooth in both directions?

[IanC.]

Thanks David , on your suggestion, I've just been out to check them but they seem ok. I have booked it in for next week to have it checked out. They asked me to contact "Jaguar assist" first to make sure it was safe to drive, so have just had the AA man out. He agreed that there was excessive noise which he thought was coming from the tyres, so it's off to my local Jaguar dealer next week.

[IanC.]

My local Jaguar dealer has said it is " just road noise ".
I had a Mercedes e250 before buying the xf. Nothing else to say.

[andypryce]

Hmmm. Not very helpful then!