1998 Camry

[BethB]

I've tried to search in the archives for an answer to my problem with no luck.
I have a 98 Camry and am having a whirring sound coming from my tire (I think) it's sort of like a rubbing sound. This has been going on for a while and I was wondering if anyone might have some idea's on what it might be?
My hunch is that it is the brakes rubbing or something. As you can tell I know very little about auto's. Thanks for any suggestions. I'd just like to have some clue before I go to a mechanic and risk him "over selling" me on repairs. Beth

[Brian R.]

Check the wheel wells around the tires and see if there is a tree branch or something stuck between the tires and the wheel well. If there is nothing visible, get a recommendation for a mechanic from someone you trust who has a good-running car.

[BethB]

Thanks Brian, I'll check again to see if I can see anything. Most of my friends (women) all same the same thing, "they go to mechanics but feel they take advantage of them" it's very difficult when you don't have the knowledge they do. Any chance that the brakes might be making this sound? Beth

[Brian R.]

Anything is possible, since I can't hear it to form an opinion.

As far as the women vs mechanics thing goes, you either have to find a mechanic that won't steal from you or gain the knowledge by experience and reading. The ideal mechanic will not be afraid to explain to you why you need done what he recomends. If you don't understand what he is saying, ask him to explain it in another way.

Don't be afraid to get another opinion from another mechanic. Their time is worth money so don't overdo it either.

If you have spare time, buy a car you don't need to keep running and do stuff to it, like changing the oil, spark plugs (small stuff at first), and then graduate to changing the brakes linings, shocks, really easy take it apart-bolt it back together stuff. Get your hands dirty. That's important to appreciate the nature of things.

Read alot of "how to" articles that you can practice on your experimental car. Don't be afraid to ask questions of backyard mechanics around your neighborhood.

If all else fails, find a guy to accompany you to the mechanic and take over for you when you need it. You don't need someone everytime, but see if you can't impose on someone occasionally, for expensive work so you have confidence in the opinion the mechanic gives you.

[BethB]

Great advice, Brian. Thanks for your reply. What a great idea about the old car idea (not that I could see myself actually doing the work....my manicure and all. Ha Ha) but I appreciate your thoughtful reply. Well, off to the mechanic I go! Beth

[Daniel M. Dreifus]

That was my thought, too. Oil change could be hard on the finger nail polish.
If you just want to learn more try:

http://www.autosite.com/garage/encyclop/tocdoc.asp

[BethB]

Thanks for the site recommendation... I'll check it out. Beth