94 Camry front end noise

[quincyguy]

Hi -
My '94 Camry, 175K, is making a 'light' audible rolling sound after starting off cold, 10-15 miles or so; and continues for the rest of the day.
Guessing it's either a tire or possible wheel bearing, maybe?
Is there a way you pros discern the difference w/o yanking a tire?
I'd assume a wheel bearing ain't a DIY job on these cars?.

[RIP]

Not a "you pro" but, inspect the treadware on your tires. If you see high/low spots anywhere you have worn suspension parts. It will be most apparent on the outer edges of the tires. This is known as "cupping" and creates a cyclic worbling wine as you drive down the road. No choice but, replace the tires. Can't stop there. The worn suspension parts need to be replaced. Very likely it's the struts or bushings.

Tires look great? Bad bearings usually give you a constant grinding metal to metal noise that gets worse with time. Put the car on jack stands and try to wiggle the tire from top to bottom, left to right. Feel any more than a tiny amount of play? Spin the wheel. Hear any grinding? These are signs of bad bearings. To know for sure you have to remove and visually inspect them. Bad inner CV joints give you a clunk when you accel or decel. Outer CV joints will click in turns. Need more info to be of any help. Does the noise change as you apply brakes? Does it change in a turn? Are you feeling a vibration in your seat or steering wheel? Does the frequency (number of times you hear it in a given time period) increase or decrease with speed changes? Noises are always tough to describe. I'm thinking you don't hear it standing still correct? Can you clarify "rolling sound" at all?

BTW - any job on any car is a DIY job. Just depends on time, money, and motivation. Bearings are very doable. I also own a 94.

[Brian R.]

Figure out if the noise if coming from the front or the rear. Rotate the front tires with those in the rear and see if the noise moves to the opposite end of the car. If the noise moves, it's a tire. If it doesn't move, it's probably a bearing.

[davemac2]

Well, I think you have had excellent suggestions so far. At this mileage, I am going to vote for a wheel bearing, but definitely inspect the tires for abnormal tread wear and give each tire a spin up on jacks to see if any are out of round slightly. If the noise is apparent at lower speeds like < 30 MPH, then I'd say wheel bearing for sure. If it is one of the fronts, you can do the swerve test at low speeds to apply loads to the left or right front wheels to see if the noise increases. I believe the bearings will be the sealed type and would need to be pressed out and back in. An automotive shop or dealership can do that for you for $20-$40, but you would need to remove the steering knuckle and hub assembly for that side and bring it in to them, and then get an alignment done. Bearing should be < $50. A shop will probably do it all for you for $200.

davemc

[quincyguy]

Thanks, guys.
Looks like the two front sneakers were "toeing-out".
Goes in tomorrow.
Rather like a visit to the doc - delaying could be very unwise.
Thank you all again