I have a 1999 1.8 Freelander which I am very happy with. However, recently it has developed a strange noise. It only affects the car after it has been driven for 10 minutes or more (ie when the fluids have warmed up). It is a speed-related squeaking noise. It starts at around 20mph and rises in frequency with the road speed. Putting the car into neutral or changing gear makes no difference to the noise. As I slow down the noise stops once I get below 5mph.

The noise is most noticeable outside the car - ie when you have the windows open. With the windows shut, it is hardly noticeable.

The car has 60k miles on the clock and has been regularly serviced by a LR agent.

Any ideas?

 

Does it squeak when you turn to one side more than the other? If engine speed does not affect the squeak, you're probably looking at hub/bearing/wheel.

 

No - the noise appears to be coming from underneath rather than any specific side and does not seem to be affected by turning the wheel.

I figured it might be a bearing but the fact that it is so speed-specific (on at 20mph and off at 5mph) makes me wonder if it is something more sinister....

I'll get the bearings checked. Thanks for taking the time to respond.