wheel noise

'99 lumina. I've got factory aluminum rims and recently have been hearing some noise when i take off. Noise seems to be coming from the right rear of the car. As I start driving, slowly, there's a noise like there's something loose in there. It doesn't happen everytime though. I was wondering if there were some bearings or something that would cause a noise in the wheel/wheel area.

Could be the rear wheel bearing. Our cars have independant rear suspension so they would have bearings in the rear. Jack it up and see if you can wiggle the tire. I beliebe its 6 and 12 you hold it at for bearings, 9 and 3 for tie rod but I may be reversed on that.

Is the noise abrupt almost like a knock or clunk? The factory rear strut mounts are terrible on these cars, and have been known to make noises. In addition to the possibility of a bearing, it's also possible that you have some debris in your brakes (if you have drums).

thanks for the responses. I believe the noise was simply rocks stuck in the tire treads. While it was on the lift, several rocks could be seen stuck between treads....seems like an obvious culprit. It was really more of a light "tick tick tick"