Deep Whine or Roaring sound

[CincyCats08]

Recently my car has started making a low whine or roaring noise while I drive. The sound seems to be coming from the driver's side in the front of the car. It isn't really noticeable until I get at or above 20-25mph. Also the noise will go away when you turn left, however the noise is the same whether the wheel is straight or to the right. (A right turn will not make the sound louder or worse). The sound is constant until the car comes to a stop. The sound gets louder and seems slightly higher pitch at higher speeds.

I have a 99 GTP with about 109k miles on it. The problem is not in line with how the is reved as the sound continues after I quit accelerating. The pitch does not change based on accleration just on the speed. I checked the power steering fluid and the level is right where it should be. The car still turns as smoothly as it always has. My only idea is the left front wheel hub, however I'm not very fimilair with car repairs...Does anyone have any idea what would be causing this? Thank you for any input, any help is greatly appreciated.

-Justin-

[GTP Dad]

It appears to me that the bearing is going bad. The bearing and hub are a complete assembly so the entire hub must be replaced. If you think it is the left side then that is where I would start. I would have both changed while it is in for repairs since they usually go out in pairs.

[Scrapper]

i would like to take the time to say i agree on wheel bearing and hub and same here if you hear it on left side then thats where to start..good luck..

[CincyCats08]

Thank you both for the quick replies. I took a minute to read the procedure that was posted for replacing the hub. It seems easy enough as written, but I would like to know if it's a DIY job for someone with only a small amount of experience...

Also where would be the best place to find the 13mm bolts and a new axle nut? I'd rather be safe and replace those, but the hubs I've looked at dont come with either. Thanks again for the help, this forum has been a lifesaver.

[doctorhrdware]

If you order the hub from GM, I believe that those items are included. You should be ok as long you follow the write up posted here.

[creskick]

If the noise is similar to the sound of the power steering unit being low on fluid than it maybe the tranmission is low on fluid instead. The torque converter will make the same whining noise as the power steering pump when it's starved for fluid and turning the vehicle will cause a shift in the fluid level to one side or the other and maybe temporarily suppling enough for the pump to stop the whining. If the noise isn't that then it could be the front wheel bearing or even the half shaft joint going bad

[CincyCats08]

I keep an eye of the fluid levels and check them frequently and the trans. fluid is right where it should be so that shouldn't be the issue. I've ordered the hub and just have to wait for it to get here. Hopefully it warms up a little by early next week when I'll have a chance to do the work. I'm not looking forward to doing in below freezing temps...

[doctorhrdware]

This was a long time ago, and it was around -15 degrees. I had to help a friend to change out the water pump on a Chevy Citation. You had to drill a hole in the fender well skirt in order to get the last water pump bolt out. What a real PIA. I did not have any fun that day. Never again.

[richtazz]

Other than a couple of special tools you might not have (a torque wrench that can go to 150-180 ft/lbs for the axle nut) and possibly a hub puller (if it's rusted in the spindle), you should be able to handle this job. It doesn't take any more technical skill than doing a brake job. Be sure to avoid using an air impact wrench (as it will damage the ABS wheel speed sensor) and torque everything to the appropriate specs.

[BNaylor]

We have two excellent and proven tech procedures on hub replacement at our Grand Prix Tips & Maintenance section. See links.

Click here

Click here


PB Blaster helps out a lot on the three hub to knuckle bolts, axle nut and getting the half shaft out of the hub.

Also, I recall only the GM/AC Delco hubs come with the three hub bolts and axle nut.

[CincyCats08]

Thanks for the extra confidence, I just didn't want risk attempting a repair that wouldn't allow me to put the wheel back on if I screwed it up... The hub is on it's way and should be here Monday. As far as the warmer weather it wont be above freezing, but that's still better than the last few days.

I went to warm up my car before work today and the blower motor was squealing like hell. A nice surprise when it's -6 outside.... Luckily the blower motor is still good it just needed some oil to fix the problem. I'll post again in the next few days to let everyone know how the hub change went. Thanks again for everyone's help and input.

- Justin -

[tfdg]

FYI...you CAN buy just the bearing, but trust me..spend a few extra dollars and buy the whole hub assembly. I've done it both ways, and if you're doing it yourself it's just not worth the little money you'll save for the hassle.

[CincyCats08]

I finally got to but the new wheel hub on today, and that was it, problem solved. Thanks again for all the help everyone.

[doctorhrdware]

Thanks for the update.