grinding/rumbling noise when driving - wheel bearings?


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grinding/rumbling noise when driving - wheel bearings?

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Auto Repair Home>> Automotive Repair>> Engine and Car Noises

matt0401
New User

Dec 9, 2011, 10:43 PM

Post #1 of 4 (6195 views)

grinding/rumbling noise when driving - wheel bearings?

Basic info:

1997
Pontiac
Sunfire 2.2L
208,000 km

Hi there. I've owned my car for about 1.5 years now and ever since I bought it used it has been making a road noise that sounds like a grinding or rumbling noise, directly proportional to speed. At first when I had the car the sound kicked in around 130km/h, I only noticed it when speeding on the highway, and the sound was faint back then. Now it's extremely loud, kicking in immediately. Once I reach 30ish it's loud enough to make conversation in the vehicle difficult, highway driving the sound is so loud it's impossible to have a conversation. My car-savvy brother informed me it was most likely a bad front wheel bearing. I wanted to post here to confirm before I take it to a mechanic and get swindled into paying for services that may not apply.

Another thing worth mentioning is the sound only comes from the front, and is also based on turning. When I turn left the noise gets much quieter, almost disappearing, when I turn right the noise is louder. Does this mean that it's only one of the wheel bearings that's bad? I'd like to save money if I can and I'm hoping it's either the left or right bearing and I can avoid replacing both.

If needed I can also record ambient noise from the car with my phone and post it if it will help diagnose the problem.

Thanks in advance,
Matt

Sidom
Veteran / Moderator
Sidom profile image

Dec 9, 2011, 11:07 PM

Post #2 of 4 (6187 views)

Re: grinding/rumbling noise when driving - wheel bearings?

In Reply To

I wanted to post here to confirm before I take it to a mechanic and get swindled into paying for services that may not apply.

You do realize that the people who opinions you are asking for here, (that are donating their time & knowledge for free) are all mechanics/technicians?????

(This post was edited by Sidom on Dec 9, 2011, 11:08 PM)

techforfree
User

Mar 8, 2012, 10:54 AM

Post #3 of 4 (5763 views)

Re: grinding/rumbling noise when driving - wheel bearings?

betting its a front hub assy..(bearing).very very very common on GMs

Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Hammer Time profile image

Mar 8, 2012, 11:25 AM

Post #4 of 4 (5763 views)

Re: grinding/rumbling noise when driving - wheel bearings?

This thread is 4 months old. Please stay with more current threads

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