I'm not really sure what this could be, but there's like a pulsating sound that just started a couple days ago on my 03 coupe with 115k on it. It's coming from the rear, and is totally dependent on speed. When I'm stopped or going very slowly it's not there, but it goes faster and faster the faster I'm going, regardless of whether or not I'm accelerating or off the gas. Nothing strange happened, just on Sunday after I got off the highway I turned my stereo down and started hearing it. Also, there's no effect on performance, no vibrations as of yet. Just the noise. Any ideas? Thanks in advance.

 

I have an oil change scheduled on Saturday, but I'll be driving 120 miles on the highway on Friday. Since nothing strange is happening to affect the driving experience, I'm hoping I'll be alright letting my mechanic check it then, but wanted to see if anyone had this happen or knows what it might be first.

 

Simplest answer is usually the correct one.

Have you looked for a rock/nail in your tire? When was the last time your wheels were balanced?

 

Have wheel bearings checked. Also worn tires can sound a bit like bad wheel bearings, but the "tone" changes on different pavement types.

 

This . I think the same thing is happening to mine right now on the rears. When I go about 50-60 I hear this humming/rubbing sound on the rears and it seems like my tires are way off balanced. It goes away and the car rides fine again, but when it happens sometimes I pull off to the side of the road and check my lugs like wtf is making it do that. Oh I also hear a clicking noise coming from the left rear side on occasion.. not sure if it does it on both sides. I have run spacers on my rear wheels for about 2 years now and I'm wondering if that has anything to do with it.

If it is the wheel bearings how much does it cost to get this done on our cars? Thanks in advance.

 

Almost sounds like the tires themselves have an issue. Since you say it goes away. Is it just a noise, or noise plus vibration? Try to pay attention to the surface of the road when it does it. Might even be a blown rear differential bushing, mine used to vibrate around that speed in the rear until I noticed goo dripping on my exhaust and replaced it.

The clicking from the rear is fairly common, search "axle click" and there's a few write ups on how to repair it. Infiniti had a TSB about it.

Rear wheel bearings are about $50 shipped, no idea on labor costs since that's something I would do myself. I know the rear needs to have the hub pressed into it. The front is easy since it's all one piece.

I've had spacers and low offset wheels for 3-4 years now. Sure it causes some extra stress, but I'd say age of the car is becoming a key factor lately.

 

Ya I'm leaning towards one of the rear tires is way off balance. When I got them put on my new rims the tire tech came to get me and said did you used to drift in these tires lol. I go NO... He said well these are as good of a balance I can get them and I saw they were way off. I just think the older they get the more sh!tty they ride.

 

Most likely a wheel bearing. Jack up the car and see if you can grab the wheel and rock it up and down to see if there is any play, make sure parking brake is not on when you do this. Be sure to chock the front wheels also.

 

Simplest answer is usually the correct one.

 

To the conclusion of what was wrong I did a lot of research and found out the cause. My left caliper was sticking and my right rear tire's road force was way off. I fixed them both and problem solved. Thanks. This is why I do lots of research before I bring a car to a mechanic if I cant fix the problem myself. You save hundreds of dollars this way, if not more.