I am only someone here can explain what's happen to my car, or perhaps experienced similar problems

My car - 2002 TLS - has about 48500 miles. Ever since a few months ago, I've noticed a rhythmic thump thump noise everytime I drive. I can't really tell if it's coming from the front two wheels or something underneath me. It's noticable even at 5 miles-an-hour, and gets louder as I go faster. It gets even louder every time I make a left or right curve on the highway. The dealer told me it was because my tires were "cupped" but I've replaced my tires since then and the problem is still there. There isn't much shaking or vibrating, just the annoying noise that's progressively getting worse I think (very similar to driving over the rumble strips on the side of highways).

People have suggested it could be the power steering, the joints, and even the transmission! But I don't know how to tell

The reason why I am not taking it to the dealer is because it's far away, but if I can verify somehow that something major is broken then I will.

Please advice! Thanks a lot.
James

 

Im not sure this will be helpful in this case, but remember our trannies arent all that strong, do you notice any problems with your tranny?

 

could it be something with the brakes catching? either that or i had this problem once and it ended up being the lug nuts on the wheels were loose so check ur lug nuts and tighten them all up

 

I doubt that it is the transmission. Is your foot on the brake when the noise occurs? Does it happen at idle, while stopping, with foot on the accelerator? We need more info about the situation!

 

yes more information would help

 

Thanks for the help you guys...I appreciate it.

I don't think I've had any problems with the tranny yet, I can always shift without any problems - I can accelerate at the same speed as before, gas milage seems to be the same too.

No noise when I am idle, it's only when I am moving (whether or not my foot is on the accelerator). Braking doesn't really make any additional noise, but instead ease up the noise a little since I am going slower. I've had my tires rotated too and didn't see any difference. I think by rotating the tires, I can almost rule out a dented rim or lose lug nuts, almost. Right?

I bought this car used from a private seller - who supposedly already fixed the tranny recall.

If there's anything else I can say to describe the situation better, please let me know.

 

Well, I've decided to go get it fixed, and it turns out to be the wheel bearing - at 48K miles. The fix plus front alignment costed me $250+tax, I guess I can live with that.

 

i was just going to comment, it sounded like a wheel bearing. thats something that makes a rumble noise and would get louder with speed