The VRS has just started making a strange noise once i get to 70mph. 

 

I don't know how to best describe it, maybe a drone? Or a hum? Its not doing it all the time, but it does seem to be getting more frequent and now doing it most of the time once i get to around 70mph. 

 

Anyone any ideas what it could be? 

 

I think the clutch release bearing is on the way out - i'm hoping it not this about to fail dramatically! 

 

Cheers in advance fellas. 

wheel bearing?

Yeah as above, I'd go with wheel bearing.

Clutch bearing is normally prominent at idle, and usually shuts up once the pedal is pressed.

Does the car make the noise at 70mph if you knock it into neutral and free wheel?

When the noise is present try weaving form side to side. The noise should change as the load is increased and decreased on a faulty bearing.

 

If it is constant it could be tyre noise and then try changing tyres front to back to see whether the noise changes.

 

Cheers

Cheers fellas. I'll try the above suggestions and report back!

Yeah as above, I'd go with wheel bearing.

Clutch bearing is normally prominent at idle, and usually shuts up once the pedal is pressed.

Does the car make the noise at 70mph if you knock it into neutral and free wheel?

 

Tried this today. The noise is still there even when in neutral - guess this rules out the clutch. 

Sawtoothing?

How are your tyres? Have you had them a while and are they coming to the end of their natural? I had a similar issue with my car. No symptoms below 70mph, but once I hit that speed I was very aware of a droning noise, especially on concrete sections of motorway.

Although the tyres were legal insofar as tread depth etc, they were just above the legal limit and had been on the car since I'd owned it.

I changed all four tyres and the problem was sorted. No more droning noise and the front near side tyre which was losing pressure, is now fine.

Hope this helps.

If its an actual whiring/droning noise then i would bet on 1 of your wheel bearings going!!