Wierd noise

When I turn the wheel to the left just a little while I'm driving it makes a sound that's hard to describe. Whooom Whooom Whooom. Kind of a low frequency sound. This didn't start happening untill I took it in for an alignment. The guy siad it was pretty far out & had to put a camber kit in it. The car had been wrecked before I bought it. I know it was out because before on turns the car wouldn't straighten out. Now it does.

Jacked it up & checked the play in the wheels & there was some movement at 3/9 o'clock. The wheel & tie rods were both moving.

I've also heard a squeak at low speeds that's easier to hear with the window down & close to a reflective object. Not sure if this is related.

Car is an 03 GT with stock tires. 74K miles.

Any help or opinions are appreciated.

Play at just 3-9 usually indicates worn steering linkage parts. Normally, they will suggest replacing worn parts before doing an alignment. Did they point out the freeplay and show you what was moving? The noise you're describing sounds like a hub bearing, but there should be free play in all positions, not just 3-9 o'clock.

Should 3-9 o'clock be just as tight as 12-6 o'clock?

He said nothing of worn steering parts. It's actually the 1st time I've had an alignment where they didn't tell me that.

I think I'm gonna take it to the shop tommorow & see what they say. I'm going on a long trip in about 5 weeks & the sound is annoying. I'll post back what they for reference.

Should 3-9 o'clock be just as tight as 12-6 o'clock?


Technically to check wheel bearing play or slop you should do it with the wheel off and putting on a few lugs nuts to hold the disc rotor in place. Then do the 3 & 9 and 12 & 6 by grasping the rotor. Also, a dial gauge should be used for an accurate measurement. 3 & 9 will always feel looser than 12 & 6 because you may have inner and outer tie rod end wear or rack and pinion play.

The noise you are experiencing sounds like bad wheel bearings which will require that the hub be replaced. The accident damage history probably doesn't help either.

So if it happens when I turn to the left which side would it be?

It's been while since I went by sound to determine which bearing was bad. Mine was an airplane type sound that was noticeable starting around 25 mph and up. I recall when I turned left the noise increased but to the right decreased. It was the right hub in my situation. However, sometimes it is better to replace both hubs just to be sure but that is your choice.

Are the AC Delco hubs dealer only? Do you remember how much they are a piece?

Thanks

GM dealer or AC Delco authorized parts stores. Around $150 if you get a good deal. Dealers may charge higher but it varies.

Send me a PM message and I can direct you to a reliable and reasonable AC Delco parts source.