need help diagnosing problem!!

[hondamom]

I just bought a 2002 Odyssey. I have noticed a rumble, growling noise coming from the driver's side front wheel area. The noise is only apparent at about 25-30 mph. It sounds like I'm driving over rumble strips in the road. Also, the car seems to be in perfect alignment until I'm driving over 65 mph, then it starts pulling very hard to the left. I don't know if the 2 problems are related.

The Honda dealership where I bought the car put new tires on the front, but not the back -- suggesting the front tires were more worn. Also, don't know if this is related, but trying to give as much info as possible.

When I returned the car to the service department, they couldn't replicate the rumbling sound (it's not consistent), so they couldn't identify the problem. A friend suggested that the struts need replacing (he drove it, and came to this conclusion). Does this sound plausible? Any other ideas on what the problem might be?

Thanks for your help!!

[CivicSiRacer]

I would guess out of balance tires/wheels. Did it happen before the changing of the tires?

[Schister66]

If they changed the tires and it still does it, it might be a bent rim.

[hondamom]

I bought the car just 1 month ago, and the new tires were already on it. I'm guessing there was some kind of problem prior to the sale that caused the front tires to wear, but left the back tires in good condition. The van is certified, so supposedly they gave it a thorough investigation, but I think there was a pre-existing problem, and they just replaced the tires as a quick fix, to make it look good for sales. Like I said, they couldn't replicate the noise during their test drive, but I hear it every day. I want to be more knowledgeable about the possible causes, so I can act like I know what I'm talking about when I go back to the dealer and insist upon them fixing the problem. Thanks for your help!

[Schister66]

I would ask them to do a static balance and a dynamic balance. Some tire balancers only do lateral runout (up and down motion) you're problem might be a side runout...hence the reason it pulls to one side. That may be due to something as simple as a bent rim or as complicated as something deep inside the suspension. I would have it checked now, especially if it is under warranty.

[t0m4t0]

Originally Posted by Schister66

I would ask them to do a static balance and a dynamic balance. Some tire balancers only do lateral runout (up and down motion) you're problem might be a side runout...hence the reason it pulls to one side. That may be due to something as simple as a bent rim or as complicated as something deep inside the suspension. I would have it checked now, especially if it is under warranty.

hey what is a static/dynamic balance? what is the difference and advantage of each one? thanks in advance....

[t0m4t0]

is it possible that brand new tires would make my car vibrate? i got some cheap tires for a very good price... about $65 each, and ever since my car is not the same...