Went over a rock, nice size, gave me a good jolt. No wheel, tire damage. But steering slightly to the right generates a droning sound from the front suspension.

I think the front right wheel wobbles a tiny bit when jacked, which to me indicates a wheel bearing issue. Thing is I'm not sure the rock really had anything to do with it other than making me pay attention for a sound. My wife mentioned that there has been an intermittent droning sound from the front the past few weeks (I've been out of town).

Can a wheel bearing be damaged from a pothole or rock with no tire or wheel damage at all? Not certain that running over that rock really was the cause - something else might have happened a few weeks earlier while I was out of town, but no evidence to support that?

Seems to me the bearing should be able to handle more than that - could it be defective?

Any thoughts? What about getting it fixed under warranty?

Thanks for any info or links to known TSBs...

 

My brother just had his '03 Coupe in for droning which was very noticeable.
B4 he went, I checked the bearings which were fine.

The dealer diagnosed feathering of the front tires caused by misalignment.
Replaced tires, along with new alignment and it's ok now. (not warranty)

Your hitting a "good sized rock" probably had an effect on alignment too, further agravating the situation, and may have bent your rim.

Best get it checked out.
G/L
C.