After I did my last oil change I noticed while driving on the interstate at 80 MPH + my car makes a loud roaring sound, it sounds like it is coming from the left front end of my car. The sound somewhat resembles the sound when you drive off the road over the bumpy area on the interstate. I put the car in neutral and the sound remained. The sound goes away once I get back below 80 mph. any help would be appreciated!

I doubt it has to do with me changing my oil since I have done it many times before, but it was an odd coincidence.

Possible bad bearing?

 

Did you get the undershroud buttoned back tight? Missing or loose fasteners along front edge would allow air entry at speed and you'd get fluttering.

 

That could possibly be it, I have been having trouble getting it fastened back tightly recently, the damn threads are rusty and breaking. I have been using zip ties in some parts, but I know there is an opening on the front where air can get in.

 

That's the classic sound of a failing wheel bearing.


I should know...I've only changed 5 of them.

 

Correct Statement.

Could be a tire as well, if its shoddy..

 

Ok thanks for the responses! My splash shield hasn't been fully fastened in a while so idt it would be all that loud all of a suddenly.

 

I think I am going to get the tire balanced before I have my mechanic look at replacing bearing. He said it sounds like I lost a tire weight since the noise is only happening at high speeds. I'll keep this thread updated.

 

If you lost a wheel weight you'd likely experience vibration. I also agree that a "roaring" sound is a classic symptom of a failed wheel bearing.

 

My steering wheel always has a slight vibration to it now since getting all season tires, even after getting them road force balanced. If it was a wheel bearing shouldn't it be making a sound at all speeds and not just at 80 mph? If it is in fact a bad bearing, is it safe to drive on the interstate at lower speeds? I have to use my car this coming weekend since I have to meet with a potential employer on Friday and from there I was going to drive home, about 100 miles total.

 

I have a bad wheel bearing right now. Prob going to replace it next week. But symptoms are similar. Loud roaring noise like a motorcycle is next to me pretty much at highway speeds. 70-80MPH. Under 60MPH I can't hear it.

I've driven a lot on failed wheel bearings. Just yesterday I did 60 miles on it. I have a 140 mile trip on Friday.

Bearing is ordered, and i'll swap it out next week sometime. Good think I have a good DIY to reference.

 

Thanks for your response! I have a mechanic back home who could replace it for me since I don't have a press. I'm going to see about the tire first today to rule out the cheapest option first.

 

Well we found some wiring coming out of the front driver side tire..just a tiny bit on the side of the tire. The guy said he doesn't think that is what would be causing the noise though. They went ahead and checked the weights and wheel bearings. Everything checked out fine, so I am pretty sure the belt in the tire went bad. The tires were bought at a Walmart at my hometown and I am at college now, so there was nothing this Walmart location could do as far as replacing the tire since I didn't have my original receipt with me (it's at home). Tires are just a year old, so I'll have that one replaced when I go home this weekend.

 

That'll teach ya for buying tires at Walmart.

 

They were a gift from my parents, but yes, lesson learned.