Strange "hum" from front end...

[EULBGIB]

Hello,

New to the forum. Have a 2001 WB edition, have had for about 3 years. Similar problems that most here (rear wiper motor, IM gasket leak, etc.) but now have a strange sound from front end. The only way to describe is like the sound of a model airplane motor that increases with speed of vehicle. Sound does not change much when turning. Van tracks straight when hands off the wheel. All gears from Drive down to 1st when manually shifting do NOT make a difference. Have done a "neutral drop" and turned off the igniton at 30-40mph and noise is still there.

So, my first thought was tranny, but is shifting smooth and not rough from start. Brakes seem fine and does not sound like a wear indicator (sound the same whether braking or not). I am leaning towards a dryed up cv joint maybe? Not that familiar with the FWD on this vehicle.

Any suggestions???

Thanks,
EULBGIB

[jayeli]

my 02 venture ls with 55k made that noise for a while. i first noticed it when i rotated the tires the first time at about 17k miles (i bought it at 15k). the dealer replaced both front wheel bearings with no difference in noise-but at least i got new bearings. my tire shop attributed the noise to the firestones. he said they were safe, just slightly cupped, which caused the noise. when i got new tires at about 35k, the noise went away and hasn't returned.

[EULBGIB]

Hey All,

Just an update on the situation. Took the van to a local independent shop that has worked on many of my trucks in the past. Went for a test drive with the owner and within 100 feet he diagnosed as the wheel bearing on the drivers side front. I had a suspicion of that but was not sure. Looks like with the ABS sensor located in the bearing assy (thanks GM engineers! ) it will be a pricey part at about $250 plus labor. I hope this solves the problem, will update after tomorrow.

TIA
EULBGIB

[underpup1]

I too have this problem, was leaning towards wheel bearings, now I am convinced, Thank-you,
How much are parts, and is it a real difficult DIY project?

[4432flying]

Originally Posted by jayeli

my 02 venture ls with 55k made that noise for a while. i first noticed it when i rotated the tires the first time at about 17k miles (i bought it at 15k). the dealer replaced both front wheel bearings with no difference in noise-but at least i got new bearings. my tire shop attributed the noise to the firestones. he said they were safe, just slightly cupped, which caused the noise. when i got new tires at about 35k, the noise went away and hasn't returned.

I have an 02 venture that I bought new. At about 15K miles I rotated the back tires to the front and immediatly had the noise you are describing. The intensity of the noised changed on different roads. I rotated the tires to their original position and the noise went away. the rear tires are the problem, but upon a close inspection, I could find nothing wrong with them. When the front tires had 20K miles on them, I had them replaced because of wear. Now I have 24K miles on the van, and I am noticing the hum again. I think the hum is from the rear tires but I am not sure. There has never been any vibration on the steering wheel or anywhere else in the van. I shall be watching this thread to see what others have to say.