Hi,

If I am on a 2 lane road and turn steering wheel into the right lane a humming noise comes from the front left wheel.
If I track to the left lane it doesn't occur. Whirring noise or humming noise MAY be present going straight, but not that noticeable. Right curves or lane changes to the right increase it noticeably.

After a few hours of driving on the highway there is NO heat coming from the CV axle spindles that go through the bearing when I touch it with my bare hands. The bearings are not getting hot. I had a mechanic put "ears" on the front left wheel bearing and he said he detected no noise on the road. He didn't know what was causing the noise. But I jacked up the front and turned the left wheel and right wheels by hand and the left front sounded different. Slight rubbing noise (not sure). Brake dust shield is pretty much gone but it seems to be out of the way.

I inspected the CV axle boots and both are completely intact. I think there is a bearing inside the differential where the inner joint shaft gets inserted. Could that be the source and if so how do I confirm it?

Could the CV joints be worn enough to cause that noise even though the boots look perfect?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks for having me on the forum

John

 

To check the axles, make sharp 360 turns L/R as slow speed and listen for clicking, popping, etc. from the axles. Accelerate and feel for vibration from the front the car.

To check the wheel bearings, drive on a smooth flat road at speed and move the steering wheel L/R to shift the chassis weight from side to side. Listen for changes in noise from the bearings. A bad bearing would be on the side of the car having the increased loading from shifting the weight and with this increased noise.

Unless a torn boot, or significantly excess play it can be very difficult or impossible to visually see problems with the axles or bearings. In turning the wheels by hand make sure the brake pads are not dragging and making the noise.

Check the tires for wear issues, damage, etc.

 

Thanks for the suggestions. I have done all that and despite a lack of heat at the end of the axle I still think it is the bearing. It's getting louder and I hear it on a straight away as well as right cornering. I ordered a new SKP Left Lower Front knuckle Hub Bearing assembly and a new Beck Arnley Ball joint to make life easier. I spent only $200 for the parts which beats the $160 gave a mechanic NOT to diagnose the problem. Hopefully that does it. Parts will be here next Tuesday - Wednesday.

I'll have to get a 30mm 12-point deep impact socket. I only have a 6-point 32mm one.

Regards,

John

 

If a wheel bearing it usually will get louder with mileage If concerned for safety check the wheel axle for excess play.

Had LOUD wheel bearings that when removed and examined found the damage minimal compared to the noise it was making.

It should be a double row sealed bearing.

 

No play. Thanks. Worth just changing it and seeing if noise goes away. Dust shield is mostly gone. Not sure what kind of bearing is in the assembly.
https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo...=10923&jsn=446

John

 

The bearing is below:

https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo...t=1672&jsn=444

 

Thanks Joey,

John