It's my brides car and obvious she doesn't hear anything. A few details.

Its an 07 sedan, tires are getting near the wear bars and being replaced this week, brakes look good, I jacked up the front end and the CV joints looked good and both wheels turned without any unusual sounds.

What am I missing??

Thanks!

 

Most likely your tires. If it were a bearing it would be very obvious. Check back in after you get tires and if its still there, then it'll be easier to narrow down.

Do your tires have any unusual wear patterns?

 

Tires are a little uneven, nothing crazy. I should mention there is a slight vibration in the steering wheel.

My guess was bearings...

 

Try a rotation, see if that changes the tone then go from there.

 

Tires are being replaced tomorrow, 9-30, I'll update after they are on.

 

I like to find the issue then finish it off with new tires. New tires mask a lot of noises and if there is an issue you've already began feathering those new tires. Hopefully that was your problem!!!

 

The tires do not show any signs of feathering, just a little more wear on the inside than the outer edge.

Tire replacement is due to the fact they are almost to the wear bars and my bride ignored the tire sensor light and drove on on when it was way too low! Nothing $500 can't fix.

The vibration in the steering wheel isn't the side to side shake but something that feels like its coming up through the column.

 

The only problem with that, is that if it IS the tires (as it was in my case), then you've done a bunch of searching for no reason. You're definitely right about not wanting to ruin new tires tho, and if the problem persists I would fix whatever it is asap.

I had a light howling recently that ended up being the tires being worn too close to the belts in one off-center position. It was pretty weird. The tire was really soft in this one position and I think that's what was making the noise. Put new tires on and it was gone.

 

We have an extended warranty on the car good til 3-17. If I feel/hear the vibration after the new tires it's off to the dealer.

 

Update: Removed the Kumho Ectsa's, only 32k but lasted longer than the OE, and installed Hankook Ventus S1 Noble2's.

Noise gone!

Thanks to those who chimed in on my dilemma . !