01 Windstar front end buzz,hum, noise

My 01 Windstar has developed noise in front which is not tire hum but sure sounds like it. Sounds like it has big mud grips on front. Put new tires on front which I needed in any event but noise did not change. Checked for possible exhaust leak but could'nt find any. Noise gets louder as speed increases. Noise level steady thruout upshifting of transmission and does not decrease any when tach falls upon tranny shifting to higher gear. Only gets louder as speed increases and wheel revolutions increase. Noise is a loud hum/buzz and seem to be able to feel it in steering wheel, but drives well. No noise increase on turns. Noise decreases as speed decreases. Possible front wheel bearing? Any feedback would be helpful - thanks.

This sure sounds like bad wheel bearings. Not sure what FMC wants for new bearing/hub kits these days. I believe they *usually* can be had for around $50 a side, plus a couple hundred $ for labor to have them changed out. This would also be a good time to do front brakes if you need them. You'll have everythig apart anyway.
G/luck!
Joel

01 Windstar front wheel bearing/hub assbly. priced @ $125 ea. from parts retailer - sounds kind of high but have never done this on a fr.whl.drive so I am in the dark. Thanks for the reply!

sherm42 did wheel bearing fix your noise?my windstar has exact noise
that you decribed.I'm leaning more toward the transmission.we jacked van up and held each wheel individually and spun the other to 60 mph and noise appeared to be the same on both sides.(never had a wheel bearing noise that would not change sounds when you swerve left or right)and like your van it only changes with speed.hoping for some help!!!Thanks

sherm42 did wheel bearing fix your noise?my windstar has exact noise
that you decribed.I'm leaning more toward the transmission.we jacked van up and held each wheel individually and spun the other to 60 mph and noise appeared to be the same on both sides.(never had a wheel bearing noise that would not change sounds when you swerve left or right)and like your van it only changes with speed.hoping for some help!!!Thanks
Have not got started on it yet. Wife is taking it to mech. tomorrow for test drive. I jacked van up and spun wheels and couldn't tell a thing. Mech. told me to drive it at 30mph or so and swerve it and I couldn't tell any difference either. The transmission has crossed my mind, but I think I'm in denial on that subject. I am not very experienced on mechanics but if I can get time can fix the smaller repairs. I will try & keep you posted and would appreciate same. By the way our van has 85k miles. Thanks

sherm42,i removed right ft wheel bearing today(fairly easy job 1/2 hr)took bearing apart found some small pits on outer race not real conclusive(hoping that was it!!)Had to order part at NAPA $114,AutoZone $122 will have it in the morning.Hold'in my breath!!Thanks

[QUOTE=sherm42]My 01 Windstar has developed noise in front which is not tire hum but sure sounds like it. Sounds like it has big mud grips on front.

Had the same problem with my 2001. I described my noise sounded like a jet plane was geting ready for take off. It was a bad wheel bearing My van was at the dealer anyway for another problem ( replace the cluster, battery drain). The dealer charged $140 a side. I only needed the driver side replaced. Before I had the bearing replaced I looked it up in my service manual and the bearing needed to be compressed. Meaning over my head.

Mech. drove & feels very sure it is pass.side bearing. Also let me know that he will be a couple of days in coming up with that part. His parts suppliers told him it is in demand. I am going to have him do the repair next week sometime. Hope he is right. Thanks

Mech. drove & feels very sure it is pass.side bearing. Also let me know that he will be a couple of days in coming up with that part. His parts suppliers told him it is in demand. I am going to have him do the repair next week sometime. Hope he is right. Thanks

sherm42,i replaced both sides(wheel bearings) and to my suprise it took out all the noise.Dealer had best price on bearings/hub $75.01w/tax. List price was $99.Did both sides in about 90 minutes.Sure glad it wasn't in the tranny!!The job was very simple and easy.Justs unbolts and bolts back together.Thanks

timk1
Congrats on your repair! Did you require a puller to disassemble the hubs ... or did the bearings just come out easily?

Wait a minute, did you replace hubs with bearings already installed?

Thnx for the feedback!

timk1
Congrats on your repair! Did you require a puller to disassemble the hubs ... or did the bearings just come out easily?

Wait a minute, did you replace hubs with bearings already installed?

Thnx for the feedback!
Yes,hub and bearing are one unit.After caliper,rotor,center nut on axle,
one bolt on bottom ball joint and axle are removed there are three bolts that on the bearing/hub.Knock out hub/bearing with hammer.Only special tools were a 40 torx socket,1 3/16 deep well socket(probably metric)and a few basic metric sockets.Thanks

sherm42,i replaced both sides(wheel bearings) and to my suprise it took out all the noise.Dealer had best price on bearings/hub $75.01w/tax. List price was $99.Did both sides in about 90 minutes.Sure glad it wasn't in the tranny!!The job was very simple and easy.Justs unbolts and bolts back together.Thanks
Glad to hear your repair worked out & really glad it wasn't transmission trouble. Mine is still roaring along , mech. is part-timer and hasn't got to it yet. I have been working on our old 91 olds ciera - bad plug purchased and that thing cost me a lot of hours before I blundered on to it. {see olds cutlass forum} If he isn't able to get it before too long I may try and mangle it up! Congrats on your repair.

One of better forums I read. Thanks for all the good info. I might need this later on... on my 00 SEL.

Sherm42, how did this turn out? I also have an `01 that's making the same sounds. I'm thinking about replacing the bearings/hubs myself.

Sherm42- how many miles are on your '01? Just curious. (My '01 has just about 60,000)