IdahoDave

I've had my 2000 TL for about 9 months. Now 130,000 miles. I drive it a lot. Got it at about 116,000 miles. At 125,000, I noticed a gradual increase in road noise/mechanical noise. Kind of a thrumming sound.

It is speed related, but not RPM related.

If it were my old Subaru, I would suspect that half-shafts need to be replaced.

Any guesses on the cause of the noise?

Tranny would be a suspect, I suppose. I did a 3X3 fluid change at 125,000. AKAIK, its the original tranny with the ?jet? factory mod.

Could it just be tires? They're getting a little worn. Just rotated fronts to backs. Improved steering feel. The ones now on the back are more worn that the (now) fronts.

Do half-shafts need replacing, like my old Subaru?

Wheel bearings? Other thoughts?

fsttyms1

if its speed related odds are its a bearing. Can you pinpoint the side or end of the car that the noise is coming from?

jdjohn84

I would suspect bearings, too, except that you say you 'just' rotated the tires. Did you 'just' start noticing the noise? Bearing noise would be a little louder during high speed turns (putting weight on one side) and high speed dips in the road. Try swirving back-and-forth at high speed and see if you notice the noise being a little louder.

IdahoDave

I did not just notice it, its been getting progressively worse over the last 5k miles.

This is all subjective but...

It sounds like its coming from the front. When I swerve, the noise gets slightly louder. When I brake, it gets louder.

Another sign it may be wheel bearings--when I brake at speed, I get just a hint of judder that disappears if I brake harder. Under harder braking, its smooth and good. Under light braking, a bit of judder that stabilizes in a second or two.

Still sound like wheel bearings? Is that a DIY job for someone with hand tools? I have replaced pads, and torn down 2 engines, but never replaced wheel bearings.

IdahoDave

Ah. Just checked the DIY Stickie. Looks like I would need to buy some tools, like a press, etc., so may be a repair shop thing, eh?

jdjohn84

What you can do to save money is remove the spindle/hubs yourself, buy the bearings yourself, and just take them to a shop and let them pack and press the bearings. You will have to remove the spindle/axle nut, which requires a special socket that you can get as a loaner from most parts store.

IdahoDave

Are there any other tests I can to to confirm that its the bearings? Jack up the front and wiggle the wheels?

Sperry

iTrader: (1)

I'd look at tires at a reputable tire shop. They'll try to find an issue with the existing tires.

Bad shocks will cause a tire to become choppy, and it'll sound like what you describe.

01tl4tl

dont replace anything yet
get to a place with a lift, or your jackstands, and use a mechanic stethascope - 3-5 dollars at harbor freight or parts stores

spin each wheel and listen for noise in the bearings

the right rear wheel bearing is a very common failure on the TL
makes a `whirring` bearing wearout type noise that travels thru the car and you cant pinpoint it,,, is speed related, and easy DIY

iirc the thread title was `RR wheel bearing DIY because someday it will happen to you!`

IdahoDave

Thanks for the tips. I'll hit Harbor Frieght this week. Tires need replaced anyway.

IdahoDave

UPDATE: I don't think its bearings. I got the $5 mechanics stethoscope and took off the wheels. Rear wheels spun smoothly with no discernible noise, other than a hint of drag from the disk pads.

Front wheels, however, were different. Spinning is harder, of course, since I'm moving the half shafts and CV joints. When reversing the spin, there's about 1/8 play, and a noticeable noise at the junction of the half shaft and the tranny.

Does that mean its half shafts? CV joints?

Thoughts?

IdahoDave

To clarify, that 1/8" play in the front wheels when reversing the spin.

jdjohn84

I don't think the bearings will make the same noise without a weight load on them.

pitmen

jack the side up where you suspect the noise is coming from. grab the tire at 12 oclock, and 6...shake the snot out of it. i had a wheel bearing go which made no sound at all, when i would turn i could feel severe looseness coming from one side, shook it, figured it wasn't any balljoints, replaced bearing and it was solid afterwards.