Took the old barge into Station garage Ewhurst (very good service:thumbup:) for a rumbling noise, the final diagnosis is a duff F/N/S wheel bearing (33,000 miles).

The tech also noticed some oil on the front of the engine block and has ordered a new EGR valve as there is a leak around the current one.

Work is being done in the latter half of next week when the bits are in.

Anyone else had a problem like this?

Its not uncommon on the MK5 Golf and the Passat, both are having wheel bearings replaced at low mileages. Saving grace is they are really easy to change as they just bolt on.

The throttle bodies and EGR valves do get gummed up and sweat a bit of oil, the flap can get stuck in the throttle body, this oddly enough blows the fuse for the cooling fans.

The tech did say he had seen the bearing problem after I asked the question. At least its not something really carp like a CV joint or something, could this be something to do with the abysmal quality of roads in England?

The oil leak is a biggie, I'll have a proper look tomorrow when I take the engine cover off.