grinding/humming from front when driving over 40km/h

[blucb7]

I've been trying to figure out what this noise could be. It isn't very loud but can be heard inside the car over 40km/h. its not the engine as it can be heard rolling in neutral and not the fans spinning. I'm thinking possibly trans or wheel bearing? It can be heard driving straight ahead and turning left but not right. Levels are all ok and everything seems to run ok. No unusual events with the trans or shifts. I'm a little puzzled and worried. Anyone have a similar experience?

[deevergote]

Wheel bearing would be my first thought. Put the wheel in the air. Grab it at "12 and 6" (as on a clock), and push/pull alternately. If there's play, the bearing is shot.

[blucb7]

Thanks bud. I'll get it lifted tomorrow in the day light to try it and get back about it.

[abletuner]

It could also be a bad half shaft. I had that happen one time. I replaced the bearing only to find out that the inner joint of the half shaft had a torn boot and dirt and grime had gotten in and was causing a strange noise. Check the half shaft while you are at it.

[wisdom62]

I would say wheel bearing as well. I am having a similar issue where I hear and feel rubbing almost after 20 or 30mph.

I hit a curb a few weeks ago and replaced everything else that was bent but the bearing seemed fine. No real wobble but it was definitely a bearing issue.

I also found that the inner portion of the bearing got fused to the Hub. I just bought a new hub and bearing to make my life easier. Still haven't gotten the piece of bearing off the hub. Grinding it down now.

I would always start with wheel bearings when it comes to rotating noise near the wheels. Especially if they haven't been replaced ever.

[ON_N20]

Definatly sounds like a wheel bearing to me based off your description, as everyone else so far has agreed with.

However checking the bearing for excessive play by rocking the tire at 12 and 6 is a good way to check for too much play but doesnt always confirm a bad wheel bearing. Ive had a couple wheel bearings in the past that were noisy as hell, but had very little or no play. Essentially the little ball bearings inside the bearing were all pitted and rough even though the bearing was still tight.

If you can safely get all the wheels off the ground (on a lift preffered), put the car in drive and let the wheels spin. You may need an assistant to accelerate a bit to bring the speed up. Carefully place a prybar on the knuckle near the wheel bearing on one end, and place your ear next the the handle end. If the bearing is rough or noisy you will know right away. Sometimes when they are bad enough you can just feel it in the prybar. You can compare side to side, to get a feel for what is normal and what is not. This is usually how I diagnose bad wheel bearings at work. Please use caution however since you are working near rotating parts (I wouldnt attempt this with a car on jackstands). You may also find that simply rotating the wheel by hand may be sufficient.

Good luck!

[blucb7]

its fixed!

so it turned out to be the two front wheel bearings indeed. The cars running much smoother and a hell of a lot quieter now. I'm wondering if the back two will go soon but i guess the fronts take more wear.