307 HDI gearbox noise??

Had to go to Bristol area yesterday, and had left some roof bars on the top.
When I got there it was windy, and I heard a lot of noise like the wind
whistling past the bars, so I took them off. Sadly the noise continued. In
the end, at around 40 odd, it sounded like the noise you got as a child when
you tied a bit of cardboard to the cycle frame so that it made a noise in
the spokes.
This is totally connected to road speed, no change whatever gear, whether
driving, or on over-run, or even freewheeling down hill. It seemed to be
coming from in front of me, or rather in front of my feet.
That heavier burring noise has now reduced, but there is still a metallic
whine.
Just about to have a look underneath, could be a wheel bearing, ot perhaps
the driveshaft intermediate bearing (this is RHD car).
But of course it could be in the differential.
And there was I, booked on a ferry to France tomorrow night.
The only good thing, I drove back last night at 55mph, about 20yds behind a
large truck, and averaged about 80mpg.
Brian.

 

It was the nearside wheel bearing. A real s*d to get off though, all rusted
in.
Why do manufacturers never put any grease on threads before assembly?
Cost a mere £95 from Peugeot. None of the other parts places had any.

 

Pricey because it includes the ABS magnets. So you have to make sure
it is fitted the right way round and the circlip is fitted so that the
opening is where the ABS pickup sensor is. Otherwise the ABS light
comes on.

 

"> >Why do manufacturers never put any grease on threads before assembly?

Yes, it was clearly marked on the box. Also got the Haynes manual which is
surprisingly clear on this for once.
Neat list the same bearing for just over £40 incl. and that also has the
magnetic seal on the one side, but they had none in stock. Bet it was the
same bearing too.
The plastic cage in the old bearing had broken up
Might make the ferry yet.