Weird noise.. nobody can solve.. help..

[magic13]

Alright.. I have a 96' riviera and am having a weird noise. took it to my mechanic and he can't seem to place it, although he is an older guy, he says the noise wouldnt bother him, but i know it's something.

I get a rumbling /slight vibration from the driver side front end.. transmission / tire area. From 30-55 it is really noticeable, but only start right when i get to 30 and not as noticeable after 55..

As I'm stopping from 55 to 25-30 it sounds like a gear is winding down and when i start comming to a stop the noise completely goes away.

I have put the car in neutral, revved up, and the noise is still there and is not affected by me revving it up or putting the car in neutral as i'm drivin down the road.

I also jakced up the car and tried shaking the tire at the 12 o'clock and 6 o'clock position, no movement. I tried the 10 o clock 2 o clock position and no movement.

Also, I had the front tires replaced, so I know it's not them.

Any idea's would be greatly appreciated.. I'm hoping it's not the transmission, but i am thinkin it is something to do with the drive shaft?

[CraigFL]

A rumbling sound could be coming from a bad bearing. It could be a wheel bearing or the CV joint on the drivers side. I'm not sure it will be easy to find unless it deteriorates further or you take it apart for inspection.

[MagicRat]

Originally Posted by CraigFL

A rumbling sound could be coming from a bad bearing. It could be a wheel bearing or the CV joint on the drivers side. I'm not sure it will be easy to find unless it deteriorates further or you take it apart for inspection.

I agree. This first post describes a classic bad-wheel-bearing noise.

Sometimes the noise goes away or gets worse during hard cornering.

Bearings are a sealed unit and are not too difficult to change. Just change both front wheel bearings at the same time. If one has gone, the other is not too far behind.

IMO do not leave it too long without repair. Bad bearings only get worse and cause a safety hazard if they get really bad.

[Madman762]

I'm not sure, but I think the front wheel bearings on that car are sold as a complete hub assembly, which is very simple to replace. If it is a sealed bearing that has to be removed from the hub, you'll have to use a hydraulic press to get it out of the hub. There is also a really cool tool called a "bearing shark" that can be used to pull a sealed front wheel bearing.

[asemstr]

Originally Posted by Madman762

There is also a really cool tool called a "bearing shark" that can be used to pull a sealed front wheel bearing.

I've never heard of your "bearing shark" tool that can remove sealed bearings, but I've heard of and seen a tool called a "seal shark". I do agree with the others you may have a worn hub bearing. Need to have your mechanic put the car on the rack, put it in gear, run the vehicle at the speed it's most noticable, and attempt to isolate the noise's origin (he may need to stop the R side wheel rotation, or use a mechanic's stethscope to pinpoint it). If the bearing is the culprit a press may be needed to replace it so you may want to have the shop replace it, and if the cost is reasonable replace the bearings on both sides to avert issues in the future!