I've been hearing a noise that sounds like it's coming from the rear pass side wheel. The best way I can think of to describe it is it sort of sounds like a helicopter is behind me, or like I have a flat tire, sort of like "whao, whao, whao, whao" (sorry, it's a hard noise to type ). Obviously I checked to see if the tire was flat, and it is not. I've been hearing the noise for quite some time now.

I am fairly certain is not tire/wheel/balancing related, as I recently purchased snow tires/wheels and put them on, and am still getting the exact same noise.

I am thinking maybe wheel bearing/hub? Although the noise is not noticeably better or worse when turning in either direction, and I have read that this usually goes along with a bad wheel bearing.

Any possibilities other than the wheel bearing before I order the part? Also, any suggestions on the cheapest source for the replacement part? The cheapest I have found is $125 from Rockauto.com.

Thanks!

 

Best way to check is to get that corner safely off the gound and rotate the wheel to replicate the sound. If it's a bad bearing, that will be fairly evident upon spinning the tire by hand.

I have not personally had to replace one yet with almost 90K miles on the odom, so not sure how good RO's wheel bearing parts are. I believe some here have purchased the radiator fan assemblies from them in the past with some success though. Maybe someone can chime in here with pro's and cons (if any) with that company.

 

most likely a wheel bearing. like raven said, Jack the car up and you should be able to identify the problem.

 

While the car is jacked up, I'd look at the brakes...maybe you got a rock or something stuck under the pad if you are lucky....most likely a wheel bearing like raven said......

 

Yep, that's the noise mine has been making...it's a wheel bearing due to be replaced in the next couple of weeks.

 

Thank God your wheel didn't come flying off!

 

Don't neglect the driver-side noises can be deceiving.
I don't think I'd describe it as a "helicopter" noise I just wore through my driver-side rear brake pad. I could swear the noise was coming from the passenger-side.

(note don't wait for the brake pad light. Pads don't necessary wear evenly and there aren't sensors on all four wheels. It sounded like I a good old fashion pad indicator was just starting to rub but it was way worse then that)

 

I had the exact same noise coming from back of my MINI....it was the rear brake pads.

 

I replaced both drivers side wheel bearings on my old '02 MCS. Very easy to do. They just cost a lot.

 

Well, I replaced the wheel bearing today and the noise is gone! Thanks for the input!

 

I had the same thing on mine and checked my bearing they seemed alright? The new ones were cheep enough and my noise went away as well.