Flat tire sound, no flat tire

monkeylizard · 09-19-2006, 07:59 AM

It seems to be coming from the left rear and increases with speed. I'm mostly deaf in my left ear, so it could be the front. I tried to get my wife to listen too, but she wasn't much help. The only sound I can thing of is that it sounds like a flat tire, but not nearly as loud. There is no buzzing or squealing.

Any tips on what to check? I know I'm overdue on rotation, so I'm going to get to that this week.

wlkjr · 09-19-2006, 10:37 AM

Is it a roaring or humming sound kinda like the sound mudgrip tires make on pavement? Could be your wheel hubs.

jem270 · 09-19-2006, 01:30 PM

When my rear hub bearing went bad on my 97 it sounded like a coffee percolator. I jacked up the right rear and the wheel moved like the lug nuts were loose but they were tight. I paid someone to replace it and it was pricey because of the anti-lock sensor was built into the hub.

Thorn71 · 09-19-2006, 02:43 PM

jack it up and spin the wheel. there are tattle tails on your brake shoes to indicate that they are worn out. i believe that is what you are hearing

GPFred · 09-20-2006, 12:37 PM

Could also be a busted tire belt. It too sounds like a flat tire. Sometimes you can feel it too depending how bad the belt is broken. You can check this by jacking up the car and spinning the tire. Look at the tread for a lifted spot across the width of the tread. You may even be able to see it from the side as the tire may look out of round. Running your hand along the tread will sometimes allow you to feel the change in tread height. Good Luck.

richtazz · 09-20-2006, 12:58 PM

IF you run your had around the tire in the direction of rotation and it feels smooth, then against the direction of rotation and you feel sharp points, then it's the overdue tire rotation that's causing your noise, as your tires are cupped. If they're smooth in both directions, then it could be a myriad of issues, including those mentioned above.

lilrogue78 · 09-20-2006, 09:45 PM

one more thing to check look beind the wheels to see if there is dirt bildup in your rims i have that problem alot because of all the dirt roads i drive on

monkeylizard · 09-25-2006, 08:22 AM

Rotate and balance did the trick.
Now I feel dumb...

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