tire noise-tie-rod?

Hello,I'm looking for some help with my '99 1.8 4-cyl Passat automatic trans. It's been a great car,but I've always had a fear of anyone else working on it,While I'm not a mechanic I've relied alot on this board for maintiance. My problem is that when I go above 30-35 mph there is a loud buzzing sound coming from the front right tire (like an outboard motor in the cabin)I've checked the boots and they look ok. I was wondering if anyone thought it might be worn tie-rod ends or if there's something else that I might check. Thanks for any help.

Buzzing sound?that seems kinda odd-does the noise change sound when moving/cornering?does it get louder when you go faster etc?Are you sure it's coming from outside the vehicle?

As for the tie-rod end it's unlikely to be creating that noise(would be more of a rattle),if your certain it's outside the vehicle around the tyre area-visually check to see if anything is stuck around your brakes e.g.stones etc,and raise the vehicle on stands if you have them, so you can spin the right wheel and check the tyre/brakes and listen for noises and condition of the tyre for bulges or tread problems.Other wise the wheel bearing could be worn.

But firstly try and find where that noise is coming from as this will narrow down the choices you need to take(it's possible it could be a engine related noise-belts,pulleys etc.-good luck!

I've heard of a few cases of premature wheel bearing failures. You can raise the front end off the ground, start it & put it in gear & listen to the bearings.

Thank you for you help, after deduced that it must be wheel bearing and manual said that it needed to be done professionally. Took to a foreign car repair shop and they fixed for less than $400.00 does that sound right?

As far as the manual saying it must be professionally done, it doesn't surprise. That is just a ploy to get them more money. If you have already paid $400 to get it fixed it doesn't matter if it sounds right or not. It is a done deal. I bet you could have done the bearing yourself. Most of the time it is a matter of having the right tool. Sometimes you can work around that.