noises at 35 mph

[1stPontiac]

I have a similar noise as pontiacbonnie in my 2004 bonny with 85K. It starts at about 35 mph and continues at higher speeds. My wife describes it as a small airplane engine sound. I tried downshifting and the pitch or loudness doesn't change with a change in RPM's. It seems to be related to the speed of the car. I have no performance issues and every thing sounds perfect at idle. I tried to find loose items that might be vibrating at higher speeds with no luck. It's a constant every time I drive for the last week. Any Clues???

[maxwedge]

Welcome to AF, this sounds like a wheel bearing, are you comfortable getting this up in the air and checking this out, let us know for the procedure. A unevenly worn tire can sound like this also.

[jdq]

When wheel bearings went on my 2000 bonny I also described it as airplane sound.

[2003Bonnie]

The noise certainly sounds like a front wheel bearing, I changed one last year, and have to change the other one this weekend, same problem.

My question is, does anyone have the torque specs for the axle nut?

Thanks...

[jdq]

If memory serves me right its 118 ft lb

[2003Bonnie]

Thanks jd.....sounds reasonable....

take care....

[pontiacbonnie]

How do you check the wheel bearings? How do you change them if they need replaced?

[jdq]

Generally you can tell by the groaning noise it makes, the faster you go the higher the pitch.Changing it , depends on the year of vehicle.Basically take of wheel ,axle nut, brake caliper and 3 bolts for hub and bearing from behind.Sometimes it falls out sometimes you need a 2 or 3 jaw puller to take out.There may also be a speed sensor connector.