Hello, I’m trying to pinpoint the source of a noise coming from the front wheels. It’s a periodic low pitch hum that increases in rate with speed. I think it might even get louder when braking. After a brief test drive, a local mechanic thought either bad wheel bearings or warped rotors. Any other possibilities? Thanks! AJ
tires. try swapping front to back to see if the noise changes. how many miles on the car, and how many on the tires? does the sound change when turning? (cvj)
Yep, if you're sure it's from the wheels, check bearings. Jack it up and then you can grab the tire and wriggle it and see if you get any play...both laterally and vertically. (It shouldn't move much at all.) Also spin them and see if you hear any noises....if rotor is bad should also make noises. While you down there, also check brake pads for wear...if one gets stuck it can warp the rotor making noises. My son-in-laws old Suzuki had a brake pad that had rusted onto the caliper...I've never seen that before!!
We'll try those tests when we start working on my uncle's new Prius project. It got intermittent noise from the front passenger side and he suspects is the rotor. Got to finish installing the skid plates and jeep bumpers on the Wrangler before we can clear the garage of the car.
Some bad wheel bearings get loud before they get loose. Usually they are loudest from 35-55 mph after which road noise drowns them out. With the wheel off the ground, you might have to take the brake calipers off to hear a bad bearing. A good bearing will be quiet.
