Wheel 'Humming'...?
#1
Wheel 'Humming'...?
I'm almost sure that I have a sticking caliper or a wheel bearing going bad. The noise is in the rear right, a humming that increases pitch and volume the faster I go...thats about it. I haven't taken the wheel off yet or anything, just wondering if there is any input before I do. The sound doesn't seem to change with braking, only speed...leads me to believe its a wheel bearing. Any suggestions or advice? Has anyone had this problem with their 2K SE?
#2
Sounds exactly like a bad rear wheel bearing. Fortunately, it's one sealed unit assembly with hub, and considering that, it isn't too expensive to get a new one (local dealer wanted $120, Dave B's price is $95).
Make sure you replace the big spindle nut too (it crushes to lock in place), which is about another $4 or so.
The job itself isn't terribly difficult if you've ever worked on your own brakes before. Just be careful with the ABS sensor (I removed it while changing out the hub, just to be sure). Also, the old spindle nut (30mm or 36mm, or something like that - Lisle tools sells a socket that'll work) is real tough to remove. I ended up removing mine with my massive air impact gun. And you'll need a torque wrench that can go to 150 lb when you tighten up the new nut.
Just for reference, I was quoted about $400 to have someone do the job, and it cost me about $125 to do it myself (bought parts locally b/c I didn't want to pay Dave B 2nd day air at that time).
PS - There are some aftermarket sources for that bearing/hub part, but I've found them all to be more expensive than OEM and/or the parts has to be special-ordered. Also, one guy on this forum went that way (to get something he felt would last longer than OEM), and found he needed to take it to a machine shop to get the ABS ring pressed onto the new hub. The OEM piece came with a new ring and new wheel studs already in place!
Make sure you replace the big spindle nut too (it crushes to lock in place), which is about another $4 or so.
The job itself isn't terribly difficult if you've ever worked on your own brakes before. Just be careful with the ABS sensor (I removed it while changing out the hub, just to be sure). Also, the old spindle nut (30mm or 36mm, or something like that - Lisle tools sells a socket that'll work) is real tough to remove. I ended up removing mine with my massive air impact gun. And you'll need a torque wrench that can go to 150 lb when you tighten up the new nut.
Just for reference, I was quoted about $400 to have someone do the job, and it cost me about $125 to do it myself (bought parts locally b/c I didn't want to pay Dave B 2nd day air at that time).
PS - There are some aftermarket sources for that bearing/hub part, but I've found them all to be more expensive than OEM and/or the parts has to be special-ordered. Also, one guy on this forum went that way (to get something he felt would last longer than OEM), and found he needed to take it to a machine shop to get the ABS ring pressed onto the new hub. The OEM piece came with a new ring and new wheel studs already in place!
#5
Originally Posted by Max_Shizo
I have that sound in my right front. 2000 auto se. It seems to fade away if I drive a little.
#8
Okay cool. I found the whole rear hub assembly online for $85, plus a new nut $5. Getting ready to do the job myself soon. The studs and the ABS ring are all on the hub already, just gotta slap it on.
Do I have to pack grease into the new bearings before I put the hub on or not?
Thanks for all the help too...I could really tell it was the rear right bearing when taking turns...the sound almost goes away totally in a right corner.
Do I have to pack grease into the new bearings before I put the hub on or not?
Thanks for all the help too...I could really tell it was the rear right bearing when taking turns...the sound almost goes away totally in a right corner.
#10
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Originally Posted by jmal
I'm almost sure that I have a sticking caliper or a wheel bearing going bad. The noise is in the rear right, a humming that increases pitch and volume the faster I go...thats about it. I haven't taken the wheel off yet or anything, just wondering if there is any input before I do. The sound doesn't seem to change with braking, only speed...leads me to believe its a wheel bearing. Any suggestions or advice? Has anyone had this problem with their 2K SE?
#14
I tought I might have a bearing going, too, but I'm not positive. I really only hear the hum at 60mph, can't hear anything ever until at least 50, can't hear much past 65 (but it might just be drowned out with wind and road noise). I can't figure out which side it's coming from. I haven't jacked it up and tried to move the wheels, but that'll only tell me if the bearing is real bad. I only noticed it recently...shortly after I put my snow tires on. But I don't remember any noise like this from the last 2 winters with the same tires. Hmmm.
#16
Originally Posted by scmax2000
the problem is either the tire itself, or the wheel bearing.
#17
The 99 SE I just bought has unevenly worn rear tires (aka shredded). The tires still have over 50% tread left, so I hvae learned to live with it. It is a noise that increases the faster you go and at times it can be annoying. All you have to do to see if it is your tire is to bring it down to your local shop and ask the mechanic to look at your tire. They sholdn't charge you anything, just tell them that you think that it could be the tire. If it is not the tire that is faulty, it is most likely the wheel bearing.
#18
Sounds like a wheel bearing starting to fail. Normally when they begin to go bad you will notice this "humming" sound you describe; HOWEVER, the noise will not just start all of a sudden at 50 mph. If its a bad bearing you should be able to hear the sound at lower speeds which then continues to get louder as speed increases. A way to isolate which side the bearing is on is to shift the weight of the car from one side to the other. (usually doing some oh s*it lane changes ). Taking the weight off the wheel with the bad bearing should cause the sound to diminish significantly.
Chris
Chris
#20
Now it sounds like I'm dragging a chain, even at low speeds. And I finally got it to change when I shift weight from side to side. It also sounded like the right rear caliper was sticking when I was backing up. All this happened when it was 15 degrees out, so the cold may have had something to do with it. Whatever it is I'm making an appointment Monday morning.
#22
Originally Posted by THX
My problem is I hear a terrible screeching (no hum) from my right rear wheel.
Also sound like a wheel bearing problem?
Also sound like a wheel bearing problem?
I still have a hum between 40-60mph, but since it hasn't changed all winter I think it's the tires. I'll be putting my summer tires on in a few weeks and that should help pinpoint the problem.
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