Humming noise

[ted tcb]

Over the past week, I've started to notice a very slight droning noise when I coast.

The noise continues whether I'm in drive or neutral.

If I turn left, the noise becomes very faint. If I turn to the right while coasting, the noise

increases. I must be driving at least 40mph to hear the droning noise. Sounds very similar

to my Accord when the wheel bearings went bad. It also feels like there is a small amount of

friction at play.

Any guesses if its a wheel bearing or hub bearing?

I'm guessing the hub bearing has computer sensors attached to it and could be costly.

Thanks for any help provided.

[BodybyFisher]

The problem will be diagnosing it. Many here feel that if you turn left and hear the hum, its the right hub, and if you turn right and hear it its the left hub. Mine is bad, its the left and I hear it when I turn left for some reason, but I am sure its related to how its worn. Mine becomes pronounced at about 65. Here is a photo of one, I need to install it before my next trip. Loot behind the flange and see if you see any tiny metallic filings...

[ted tcb]

Thanks, Mike ... its going on a friend's hoist next Thu., and we'll have a look.

I'll post back with the fix.

[Ranger]

Ted,

Wheel bearing & hub bearing are one in the same. Kind of sounds like a left bearing from what you say. The wheel speed sensor is integral to the hub assembly. I paid about $200 for one from Napa when I did my '92. I have heard of others getting them for much less.

[adallak]

First check the left side hub bearing.

[ted tcb]

Had the car on the hoist today ... with a stethescope, we could hear a definite low pitched howl on the passenger side front hub, at about 40mph. Bought the wheel bearing for $216Cdn, will install it on Monday.

On the hoist, I slowly turned each front wheel with the engine off.

I heard a faint grinding sound coming from (I assume) up in the tranny area.

I turn either wheel, and hear the sound coming from the centre of the undercarriage ... quiet scraping noise.

My mechanic speculated that having the car on the hoist might've elevated this scraping sound .... being that the car isn't loaded up under its own weight.

I'm not about to delve into the tranny based upon a faint noise with 172klm's ... cause for additonal concern?

[BodybyFisher]

I will be following this one carefully... You turned RIGHT and its the RIGHT hub making the nose.... as I noted its not always the opposite hub from the turn. HOPEFULLY this is NOT an indication that your transaxle bearing is bad.... See Bruces recent post on his axle markings and possible transaxle bearing problem.... (not to panic, just thinking outloud)....

[ted tcb]

I'll post an update after installing the wheel bearing next Monday.

If the sound persists, I'll be surprised, as there was a definite howl on the

right wheel, heard through the stethescope.