OK...i've read all the old posts on humms that I could find and nothing quite fits what I have. I have a 95 SE, 5spd, 82K, just did a full OEM clutch replacement. Transmission seals haven't leaked a drop, CV boots are dried out but not cracked open. Tranny is full of Ams oil (yes, i used the right, somewhat rare gl-4 grade spec'd for the maxima).

I have a humm that becomes audible at highway speed....but not a constant humm....it comes and goes...audible, then quite, then audible then quiet...perhaps every second. Also, if i do a somewhat quick lane change or take an off ramp (still at highway speed), the hum goes away while the wheel is turned, then comes back as soon as I am in a straight line. The hum goes with road speed only...in gear, out of gear, clutch pushed in or out, accelerating or coasting...nothing matters...just road speed and steering angle.

Given that the sound goes away at certain turn angles, and that it doesn't get louder (in either direction) i don't think its a wheel bearing. I am inclinded to think its a CV, or a couple of them...so the hums are at the same time, then cancelling each other out...repeat. but I have never had CV's go bad that with a good boot...??

Its had this hum since I got it at 70K, and has not really gotten worse.

I am selling the car, but to someone I know....and don't want them to get screwed....CV shafts are cheap (around $85 for a reman), and her brother is all of the mechanic i am and can do the work for her.

thoughts.........???

thanks,
John

 

a wheel bearing would be loud all of the time. A cv can go bad with out the boot cracking. The boot is only there to protect it from dust and whatnot. If the grease is not there the cv joints will go bad. AT my dealer we just replace the whole halfshaft which is most often cheaper and more time efficient then to put on a new boot. The only time you would want to put on a new boot would be if the grease thats used in the joint has metal parts/shavings/or such.

 

have you check ur tire,is ur car pulling one side when you let go the wheel,i would check the tire first though,good luck!

 

This statement points directly to a wheel bearing. Try to pay close attention to which side of the car it's comming from.

 

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it doesn't matter which way i turn though...usually a bad wheel bearing will get louder when you load it....i can do a left or right lane change and the sound goes away......

John