Noise diagnosis? Freelander 2

Hello, and thanks for reading this.

Freelander 2, 2009, manual, 180,000 miles. The noise is coming from the nearside front. It's a bit like a leaking exhaust, a low rumble rather than a whine, certainly not the usual CV joint clicking/knocking. Related to roadspeed, but definitely not road noise, as the tyres have been replaced since it began. Tends to begin around 40mph, and gets louder with speed.
I've jacked up that side - no play in the hub itself (ie wiggled top/bottom) but a little in the steering (ie side to side) but nothing serious. A little in/out play in the drive shaft, but again not excessive. The CV joints feel sound enough.
The noise is there driving straight ahead, and turning right, but disappears completely with the steering wheel turned left, even by the tiniest amount.
Anyone else come across this? It's going in for a service next week, and this will be investigated, but a little advance warning would be much appreciated.
Many thanks.

Norman

Wheel bearing would be the most likely cause.
It's perfect possible for a wheel bearing to rumble under the weight of the vehicle, yet feel smooth, have no play and be silent when spun without weight on it.

Wheel bearings are a common failure point on the FL2.

It's also recommended to replace the whole hub assembly, as fitting a new bearing in an old assembly often causes damage to the new bearing.

Nodge68 said:

Wheel bearing would be the most likely cause.
It's perfect possible for a wheel bearing to rumble under the weight of the vehicle, yet feel smooth, have no play and be silent when spun without weight on it.

Wheel bearings are a common failure point on the FL2.

It's also recommended to replace the whole hub assembly, as fitting a new bearing in an old assembly often causes damage to the new bearing.

Click to expand...

Thanks for the speedy reply. Yes, I guess the bearing is the likeliest cause, but given how loud it gets, I was expecting to feel some play in there.