Front end whining

[sawdust2]

I have a 96 grand Prix with a 3.1 with 165,000 miles. I have noticed a whining coming from the front when I drive it. I seems at 40 mph it is the loudest. Then it seems to quiet down some at higer speeds, but never goes away. The noise does not change with the rpm"s. Could it be a bad bearing or a bad c/v shaft. How do I tell ?

[richtazz]

Jack up the car and try to move the wheel in and out. If there is freeplay at all positions, then the hub is the problem. CV joints will normally make noise only when turning sharply (outer) or while driving down undulating roads that make the suspension compress and expand (inner).

[guitarfish]

If those are the original front wheel bearings, then it's a good bet they're worn. Like Rich said, jack it up. Put hands at 3 & 9 o'clock position on tire, push one hand in while pulling the other out, then vice-versa, back and forth. If it's worn, it will have a knock knock sound. Do the same with hands at 6 & 12 o'clock positions. If it's not worn, the wheel will be very firm and there won't be any play.

I've changed those things a dozen times or more through the years.

[wethepplebmxer]

it prolyl only gets quieter at high speeds cuz the road nise gets louder...