Slight rhythmic grinding sound from rear wheel area...
 

I have a 2010 R3 with just shy of 22K miles now. Regularly serviced and maintained etc. In early Fall I put on some Tein S-Techs, kept original Bilstein shocks though. Original tires still on too. Also 5mm spacers on the rears. Lately been noticing a heavy rhythmic sort of grind noise, especially at low speeds. Doesn't appear to be gear related as I hear it whether in gear, out of gear, clutch engaged or not. Seems to be wheels. Almost like a tire when it has a flat spot, but more dull. Tough to describe I guess. Anyway, it's getting louder in the past week. I don't drive her too much (gas prices and my commute is 100+ miles r/t) but the past few days I have been more and am really concerned about it. Thought I'd run it by you all here before hauling off to the dealer to have a look see. Ideas? wheel bearing? Could my OEM tires be ready for the scrap (they seem fine to the touch)? Anything obvious I'm missing?

Thanks very much.

are the rear wheels dirty with brake dust? If so,

rear brake drag most likely

clean and grease

pull pads and see if something is stuck

Was thinking time to replace your rear pads... There's a safety post that will make a sound similar what you're describing.

thanks for the input - turned out it wasn't from the rear afterall. It was actually the front TIRES. My alignment was so far out that the inner side of both fronts was literally chewed down to the cords. I had the car 4-wheel aligned after the lowering springs last Fall but I'm thinking something must've changed all that. I've only driven maybe 2K miles since the drop.

Long story short, 4-wheel alignment done and 4 new tires purchased (Effing OUCH $$$). No more noise. No more money.

Goddamn. Glad you caught that before you had a blowout. ALWAYS make a point of at least glancing at the tires before you get in the car.