Hi all,

I recently had some winter driving issues that resulted in a lightly curbed driver's side front wheel. Immediately after the incident, I noticed a on/off, rhythmical "humming" sound at speeds above 90 km/h. The steering wheel does not shake; there is no obvious vibration per se, just the humming sound. I'm wondering if I bent the wheel...

I took it into the dealer, who recommended a steering diagnostic check. The result of which confirmed a lightly bent, but repairable wheel. I had the wheel repaired, and they also rotated the front and rear wheels on the driver's side after the repair.

Now, when driving in a straight line, or turning left, the car is completely quiet (as it used to be). If the steering wheel is pointed right though, the hum comes back.

Any thoughts? I'm concerned about needlessly harming other steering or suspension components if I continue to drive with this hum.

Thanks in advance!

 

No one...?

 

wheel tracking perhaps?

 

it sounds like a wheel bearing jack up you car and spin your front wheels by hand and see if one is louder than the other

 

Thanks! I appreciate the feedback!!

 

Did you have the alignment checked after the incident?

I'd look at a wheel bearing too....

 

Yep. I did the following with the dealer:

1) "steering diagnostic"
2) bent wheel repair
3) wheel alignment

Thanks for seconding the wheel bearing as a follow-up area!

 

This is why I dont recommend rotating tires on our cars unless it is done very very often like twice between 3-5K mile oil changes.

Negative rear camber feathers the outer edges of the tire blocks.

 

Outer edges of witch tread blocks?

Alex

 

Maybe a dyslexic answer. Me thinks inside.

 

Agrees with Jar Jar!

 

So feathering would cause a humming sound when turning in only one direction?

Remember, I heard this same sound going in all directions (including straight ahead) starting immediately after the incident in the first place.

Confused...

 

New observation - sometimes when powering thru a right-hand turn (same direction that makes the humming sound) there is a "lurch" or "grabbing" sensation as I'm coming out of the turn. I never feel this turning left.

This wouldn't be a LSD (differential, not drug) thing, would it?

Still confused.

I'm scheduled to have a drive with the shop foreman this week...

 

So, the shop foreman and I went for a drive and he confirmed that wheel bearings are the problem. Interestingly, they are the ones opposite to the wheel that was originally damaged.

Getting them replaced next week.

Thanks to those who through out suggestions!

 

Just to close-off this topic, I had the car in and both the right and left front wheel bearing packs were replaced under warranty and everything is good now.

It actually feels "smoother", if that makes any sense?

Thanks again to those who suggested going down the wheel bearing route.

Cheers!