2002 Impala - Constant noise like a weed-eater while driving.

[jcloninger]

Sorry if this has been posted before, but I couldn't find anything similar in a quick search.

Just like the title says, while driving only, there is a constant hum from the front end that sounds like a weed-eater a couple houses down the street... ya know? When I go faster it gets higher pitched and a little louder, when I slow down it gets lower. It does it ONLY while driving whether accelerating or coasting.

I checked the front end for bags or anythig that could have been wind noise, but nothing there. My Dad thinks its a wheel bearing, BUT it drives perfectly fine.

A little background on car... has 162,000 miles on it and mostly highway miles. I did hit a huge pothole the other day and this noise started shortly after, but there isn't anything obvious that seems to be the problem.

Thanks in advance for your assistance as soon as possible. I depend on my car for work as it is my "office".

[1996Chreokee]

isn't it amazing we still get advice from our dad when were adults?? I would have to agree with dad on this one... wheel bearings... common problem and an easy job

when your driving and turn the steering wheel to the left or right does the noise go away on one side? you would be loading the bearing when do that... (you might notice like on a curve to an onramp)

[jcloninger]

Originally Posted by 1996Chreokee

isn't it amazing we still get advice from our dad when were adults?? I would have to agree with dad on this one... wheel bearings... common problem and an easy job

when your driving and turn the steering wheel to the left or right does the noise go away on one side? you would be loading the bearing when do that... (you might notice like on a curve to an onramp)

Thanks for the quick response! Haven't noticed it on the turning, but if I hit a large dip in the road (like a cave underneath and looks like the road will cave in ) at the point where the car is "weightless" in the dip, the noise diminishes. So, I'll head to my mechanic friend tomorrow. He's always busy and wanted to know what I may be up against to tell him so he can work me in... hopefully.

I installed a wheel bearing assembly in an old 80-something GrandAm long ago, but I don't have the tools and such I once did.

Thanks again!

[57chevyragtop]

This condition is sometimes described as an airplane sound...Difficult at times to tell which side sound is coming from, the idea of turning right or left can sometimes help determine that. Not too difficult of a job, pull the wheel & brake caliper (hang that out of the way) remove hub nut (deep well 35mm) remove 3 bearing flange bolts, pull hub and clean mounting surface & nut threads before installing new hub bearing using Loctite torque to spec. 159ft.lbs. or 215Nm flange bolts 96ft lbs. Note: May need to have hub puller available.

[jcloninger]

Originally Posted by 57chevyragtop

This condition is sometimes described as an airplane sound...Difficult at times to tell which side sound is coming from, the idea of turning right or left can sometimes help determine that. Not too difficult of a job, pull the wheel & brake caliper (hang that out of the way) remove hub nut (deep well 35mm) remove 3 bearing flange bolts, pull hub and clean mounting surface & nut threads before installing new hub bearing using Loctite torque to spec. Note: May need to have hub puller available, I did not.

Yeah, thanks! I don't have a JACK, 35mm socket, hub puller, nor a torque bar... so by the time I got all that, the guy down the street could have done it.

I think an airplane sound (but a prop job) is better vs. a weed-eater.

[57chevyragtop]

Understand your situation and agree....by the way there is a difference in bearings if you have ABS...if that turns out to be the source. You are correct on the prop type mention...good luck on fix.

[jcloninger]

Originally Posted by 57chevyragtop

Understand your situation and agree....by the way there is a difference in bearings if you have ABS...if that turns out to be the source. You are correct on the prop type mention...good luck on fix.

I picked up the bearing today.. its not ABS type. I rented sockets and stuff that I don't have to do the job.

[57chevyragtop]

Well then, best of luck to you, repost results when you can.

[jcloninger]

Alright guys, job is done. Found my jack and my good socket set... my "cousin in law" somehow ended up with them. I lost my cheater bar, but my neighbor had a breaker bar... With the freezing cold, eating dinner, and helping wifey put up groceries, I got it done in about 4 hours.

The hardest part really was to get the stupid wire of the sensor though the mount and driveaxle. THEN I broke the clip on the harness, so I wrapped tons of electrical tape at the harness and mount...

Its also smart to make sure you have the bolt at the top of the bearing kit assembly in place BEFORE you seat it with the driveaxle!!!!

PS... when you stand on the breaker bar to remove the main hub nut, be prepared to break a leg. I bruised my shin....

Anyways, thanks guys and since I'm not a mechanic, I can't offer too much in return, but if you need any videography assistance, please visit my stomping grounds www.wedvidpro.com or www.videouniversity.com

[57chevyragtop]

Thanks for the update and notes on the task, Happy Motoring!