Rumbling Rear End Noise on 2002 Elantra GT

This is my first posting here. Great discussion group. I learnt a lot reading through related posting and hope someone can help.
The rumbling I'm hearing sounds just like an exhaust leak. It started very faintly and has gotten louder and louder after logging about 600 kms. It now sounds like a loud exhaust problem above about 40mph, although I start hearing it even at 10-15mph. The sound level increases in both volume and pitch with the speed of vehicle. I've been able to rule out the exhaust (had it checked out professionaly) Also reving the car at stand still does not make the sound.
After reading some of the other threads I started to suspect a bearing problem, so I jacked up the rear end and checked that both tires spin smoothly. They do. There is also absolutely *no* axial or lateral play on the bearings when pulling and pushing on the tires (as well as pulling on one side of the tire while pushing on the other). The only thing I noticed is that the driver side wheel spins almost too freely and for a long time while the passenger side also spins freely but does not spin as long, (I I assume due to the drag on the brake pads). My question is this...
Based on my description can this still be a bearing problem? ...and if so how do I figure out which wheel.
If it is I'll replace it but since the hub is pretty expensive I'd rather be sure before going that route.

I also have a two other theories but would like to get your opinions on the bearing before discussing those.

Many Thanks!

I just recently started having the same problem! I just sent you a PM regarding this to see if there was any resolution. Hopefully you're still around even though you posted this in 2006.

Anyone else who might read this, do you have any ideas what it might be?

Thanks!

Sounds like a rear wheel bearing. You might try jacking up your car and seeing if there is any slop in the bearings, try to move it back and forth, thats how I found out mine was bad on another car. Your best bet is to pack your new ones with Amsoil wheel grease. Hope this helps.

Sounds like a rear wheel bearing. You might try jacking up your car and seeing if there is any slop in the bearings, try to move it back and forth, thats how I found out mine was bad on another car. Your best bet is to pack your new ones with Amsoil wheel grease. Hope this helps.

That's what i'm thinking it definitly is. I've ordered the new parts and will take a crack at replacing them this weekend. Thankfully replacing the rear hub assemblies seems like a more managable task (as opposed to the front bearings) so it'll save me about $300-$400 over taking it in to the shop.

Thanks for the tip on the wheel grease!

It did turn out to be a bad bearing even though all the testing I did indicated that the bearing was not bad. After I installed a new wheel hub, $115, installed in an hour in my garage in -20 degree weather, she was good as new. It easy to do, aside from the cold. So I recommend you do it yourself and save yourself a few hundred dollars.
Good luck

Hi,
How many miles on your GT before you had to replace the hubs? I'm looking to get an 2002 w/ 90K on it. Any other "normal" Elantra GT problems?
thanks.

I have Have the same problem on my 2002 Elantra GT and mine was a rear wheel baring it started realy quiet and about 40mph to 60mph it is realy loud it almost sound like a off-raod truck with nobby tires.