I've had this noise for about as long as I can remember and it is getting worse. The noise as best that I can describe is a whiring or humming noise that ramps up as speed increases. I've attached an audio file that can possibly help. The noise is coming from the front passenger side.


9/21/19 Update

So I took my car to a mechanic and he changed two things; the rack and pinion assembly and both wheel bearings. The car now runs quiet as can be. Thank you all for your suggestions.

Have you ever had that area of the car hit something hard? Like a pothole, curb, pole, or been involved in a car accident? Also whats the mileage

Wheel bearing? Jack up that wheel and spin it around. Listen for any grinding or noise. Also wiggle the tire from the top and bottom see if its solid or moves around at all.

Have you done anything to investigate the sound other than making an audio file? Put your damn hands on it and look for the issue it's either a wheel bearing, driveshaft, crank dampner, or right motor mount....

I just bought an 03 SE. I have the same issue, I was told that it's the cv axle. I am going to have it checked out today. Any idea how much it would cost to have the driver side replaced

Ive dropped my whole transmission before, cv axles are just a start. Driver side is extremely easy. Takes an hour tops. First pop your center cap off if you have the 17 inch SE wheels, then crack the axle nut loose while the wheels on the ground. saves you a hell of a headache. Then take the wheel off, the two bolts that hold the strut to the whole knuckle (two 17 and 19 mill bolts I believe), Then the axle should just slide away from the area it seats into. (you might have to do some prying and wiggling) Then go under the car and put a pry bar in between the transmission and the end of the big circular part of the cv axle (the bearing tube) and pry it. Dont be afraid to give it good force, just not too much so that you damage or crack your trans. Also buy a new axle seal. I didnt the first time and was fine, but the second time I did it to do my clutch I broke the seal. Better to have the parts then to be sorry you have a jacked up car with missing parts, plus it never hurts to change them. Then it all just goes back together. Literally just lining the new axle up and hitting the end of the threads(with the nut on it so you dont damage the threads) and when it pops in (youll feel it) youre done. Then its just assembly. The axle nut torque spec is about 213, but I just did it while it was on the ground until I couldnt get it any tighter lol. Do it yourself and itll cost around 100$ give or take what fluids and parts you go with. A shop will rip you off, esp a dealer. Good luck!

Thanks alot, I'm going to give it a shot,any brands you recommend?

Any brand is fine, but I got mine off of rock auto. Fast shipping and good prices. Also gives exact parts. Just make sure you get it right. if youre auto, itll be driver side, automatic trans. I believe they differ slightly

Funny you mention that, yes. The car was in an accident on the right side, the same side. Other than that, no. I do suspect it could be the wheel bearing. But the tire does not budge at all when inspected.

The tire does not budge. Also, the wearing on the tires is more or less even throughout.

A motor mount does probably raise my suspicion. I think it may be the cause of the sound as the wheel bearing seems to be fine.

Hm well then maybe not a wheel bearing. CV axle or motor mount would be my next guess. Not sure how to test either because ive never had either one go bad while ive owned the car. Visual inspection always can show some answers too

Could be tires or the right front tire. I bought mine with 2 bad tires on the back. The faster i went the more noise they would make. ( an unusual amount of road noise ) swapped them out with 2 known good tires and noise went away. Just a thought before you start pulling the front end off.