00TL-P3.2

2000 TL, all stock, 212k miles.

Just recently (this month) started getting a constant humming from the rear, louder when turning left, goes away in right turns. Starts around 10-15mph, doesn't get much louder with increased speed, about the same volume from 30-70mph.

I replaced both rear wheel bearings a little over 2 years ago & am getting close to needing tires.
It's not a pulsating hum like it was when I had a wheel bearing going out.

Thoughts? Thanks.

TLer trash

Uneven tire wear, especially feathering. Try running your hand on the tread in the direction of rotation and opposite rotation. It should feel smooth both ways. Feathered tires will feel like saw teeth. Also give each wheel a fast spin. You'll be able to hear if you have a bad bearing. Sometimes you can even feel a bad bearing by holding one hand on the body and spinning the wheel.

3.2TLc

Yeah, get the new tires on and then go from there.
Could be that simple.....or could be another WB failure ?

Karanx7

iTrader: (2)

I had the same problem. Turned out to be the rear axle.

Just swap the front tires to the back, and see if the noise follows. If not, might be wheel bearing again.

00TL-P3.2

Picked up my dad at the airport last night, first ting he said when we got on the road "wheel bearing going out again?"

Guess I'll order one & replace it when we're doing the t-belt this weekend. Cheaper than a set of tires.

TLer trash

It's only cheaper if that's really your problem. I'd at least spend the time to give each rear wheel a spin. You'll know it if one is bad. It's pretty rare to see one fail in a short amount of time. All bets are off with white box, chinese bearings, however.

00TL-P3.2

I don't recall the brand, but when I replaced them, I got the replacements from RockAuto. Never had any problems with parts from there, but I guess anything is possible with non-OEM parts.

I'll try to get it in the air & test the rear wheels & see if I can notice a dragging wheel like it was before when it was bad.

01tl4tl

bent rim- weird tires can add to stress on that bearing
lowered cars suffer everywhere

I would invest 4 bucks in a harbor freight tools Mechanics Stethascope
with the car on jack and support stand, listen while helper spins the tire,
gravel sound or whirring is bad sign

constant sound in back is typically the rwb/rear axle bearing,,for some reason there are more reports of right side failures too

3.2TLc

Most part stores, even Rockauto will offer more then one replacement option.
They usually stock a low cost economy part as well as top notch quality lifetime replacement parts. When choosing a part subjected to extreme conditions such as a ball joint or wheel bearing, it's always wise to buy the best for durability.

fsttyms1

The simplest and easiest test is to rotate the tires. Put the fronts on the back and the back on the fronts. Does the sound follow the tires or go away? If yes its the tires. If no odds are its a wheel bearing. Also look at the rear rotor. Do you see any black or blue discoloring? It may be a hung caliper as well. The rears have been known to hang.

00TL-P3.2

Thanks for the tips, I'll give them a shot this weekend.

As far as RockAuto goes, I don't go for the cheapest option, usually somewhere on the higher side of the middle, often with one of the "favorites" on there.