phenryiv1

iTrader: (19)

Automatic, non-LSD vehicle that I am working on for a friend...

Passenger front wheel is making a "swoosh"ing noise. It is variable with vehicle speed, not engine RPM. Transmission shifts very smoothly.

The sound is the same whether traveling straight or turning, but definately varies with vehicle speed.

Am I looking at a CV, axle, or bearing problem?

96blkonblkse

iTrader: (18)

Could very well be a wheel bearing problem. They seem to be more of a moaning/groaning type noise that varies with speed but is often heard at the 30-40mph range it seems where wind noise and engine rpm isnt a big factor.

When my wheel bearing went, it was pretty much what you described, like a swoosh swoosh noise i didnt notice it on the hwy but it was most noticeble at about 30mph. Put the car up on the hoist and got my freind to drive it and just listened with a stethoscope and sure enough my wheel bearing went bad.

99BlackMaxMS

iTrader: (85)

My rear tires are "chopped" or unevenly worn. They make a swooshing noise from 20mph+. I doubt it is an axle or CV because usually those clunk when they go back, and if they are bad usually the CV is torn and axle grease is everywhere. If he has good tires, and the CV's arent busted, I would have to say wheel bearing.

phenryiv1

iTrader: (19)

Sound can be heard from the time the car moves- you don't have to be going fast. I am about to pull the wheel in the next hour.

No clunking- it is definately a "swoosh" sound.

Thanks for the help so far...

96blackmaxSE

iTrader: (30)

Is the sound constantly able to be heard- just increases with speed. Then at highway speeds you cant really hear it...I had the same noise. I'd bank on it being a wheel bearing....jack up the front and check to see if you have a lot of play in the bearing, if so you found the problem..

Maxima_Joe

iTrader: (384)

It's either the bearing or tire.

dan99es

i think im having the same problem, if it was the bearing, what would be the effects of it if i didnt get it fixed?

96blackmaxSE

iTrader: (30)

Well, for one, as the bearing gets more use it will build up more and more play...thus causing excessive/irregular tire wear. Believe me, (I went through a set of kuhmo ecstas in about 2 months).....

Second, it causes additional problems because the wheel bearing is pressed into wheel hub, the main assemlby of the wheel, and if you drive too long with a thrown bearing it will score the hub causing you not only to need a new bearing but additionally a new hub assembly.

And if you drive insanely too long with a thrown bearing and wheel hub your wheeel might jus fly off your car and kill you......




but seriously.

NameGoesHere

Ive been having a similar problem too.
Noise starts from about 30mph and increases, whether in gear or not.

Finally we got out the stethoscope and put that badgirl on the lift, and took it up to "highway speeds". (pretty nerve racking being on the lift, running through the gears) Seems like the noise was originating from the passenger side of the tranny where the axle sets in.

phenryiv1

iTrader: (19)

Well, I drove it some more, and there is a definate "thunk"ing component to the sound. I am now leanign toward bearing.

I can't change that at home without a bearing press, can I?

phenryiv1

iTrader: (19)

I never got over 40-45. I don't want to ruin anything that isn't already broken.

96blackmaxSE

iTrader: (30)

I'm good at ruining things that arnt already broken...It's just what I do.

gen4maxima536

iTrader: (14)

there is a write up on motorvate.ca on how to do it w/o a press. but you'll probably need to pick up a few things to do it the same way.

Afterlife

iTrader: (1)

Had brake work done recently?
Sometimes the dust plate on the back of the rotor will rub and make a kind oF swoosh noise.If not i would bank on wheel bearing making the noise.

MorpheusZero

iTrader: (10)

Yep, if you can hear it from very low speeds it is not the tire, and before replacing the bearing I would check to see if any brake components are making contact.

phenryiv1

iTrader: (19)

Brakes are pretty fresh, but that was the first thing that I checked. No rub on the dust shields.

MorpheusZero

iTrader: (10)

Then if the bearing is good I (as well as most others) am out of ideas.

phenryiv1

iTrader: (19)

No, i think that it IS the bearing. I was saying that it was not a dust shield or brake issue.

MorpheusZero

iTrader: (10)

Go for it.

LILMAN

I believe if you jack up the car and the wheel has play if you wiggle it on the top and bottom of the tire it's your wheel bearing. I just swapped mine out two weeks ago and now i got the same damn noise again DAMMIT.

MorpheusZero

iTrader: (10)

I'm pretty sure Patrick knows the WB test, but I dunno.

Are you running crazy spacers or wheels with crazy offset? If you only replaced one wheel bearing it might just be the other side...

LILMAN

Naw no wheel spacers or nothin here. It is the same side I just had done tho. Maybe the guy didn't grease em up first.

Maxima_Joe

iTrader: (384)

Your hub is shot.

96blackmaxSE

iTrader: (30)

Yep, Yep...seconded.

cefiro80

If gone not fixed it is possible that the wheel comes off while you are driving it. Not something you want to experience.....Just get it fixed it is worth it for your safety.

phenryiv1

iTrader: (19)

I did jack up both sides and check for any lateral play. Neither side had any, although I had no idea what I was actually checking for. I just figured that if I pushed, pulled, and twisted and something was loose, that would help my diagnosis.

So if I did not have any significant play in any direction, is it still the bearing, or is it the hub, like this other guy?

Snypa

iTrader: (35)

sounds more like the bearing over the tire.

LILMAN

Where would I get that from? Not the dealer, I hope

MorpheusZero

iTrader: (10)

The hub will cause the bearing to fail prematurely if it is bad. Either way you will probably be replacing the bearing, but if she has had it replaced recently then the hub is probably shot too.

BTW the bearing test is not conclusive, it is more of an affirmation--the bearing can still be bad without having any play in it.

TunerMaxima3000

iTrader: (4)

In addition, checking with your hands isn't going to do much unless its pretty f'd up, in which case you'd likely be feeling it while driving.

NameGoesHere

My mechanic friend swears that the noise is coming from the axle input shaft?
(the area where the axle enters the tranny)
Might be a good place to check with a stethoscope.

Ive been riding on it for months and STILL no play.

?????

Sounbwoy

iTrader: (2)

Any update on this issue? This sounds like the problem I've had with my car. In addition, I've had to retighten the axle nut. That got rid of the noise, but doesn't explain why it came loose in the first place. (Happened twice in a year..)

aporozco

iTrader: (5)

sounds like bearing. ive had the same problem. really crimps my style

LILMAN

Does anyone have the part number for the wheel hub?