What is a good way to differentiate bearing noise from tire noise? I Toyo T1Rs on all four corners. They have about 13K miles on them. I hear some noise in two speed ranges, under 20 mph and around 55 mph. At high speed, other noises prevail. In 0-20 range, I also feel very light but high-frequency vibration on the steering wheel.

Does it sound more like tires going south or should I be concerned about the bearings?

 

bearing noise sounds like an errie engine noise of a DC10 and
will continue to get louder as you increase in speed.

 

Considering that all the Coupes are loaded with tire issues that cause road roar...bearings are very rarely a problem.

 

If it is the bearings I think the center of your wheel will be a lot hotter then the outer part. At least that is how it was on one of my old cars.

 

I had a bearing gone bad on my 3rd generation maxima, and let me tell you, that thing sounded like the whole car was going to fall apart.

 

You put car on lift spin tires by hand [rears with engine] and listen to [each] bearings with a $3.99 stethoscope.
http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/w..._385487_385487

A more expensive alternative is to buy 4 new tires and mount them.

Noisewise most non Michelin tires are done by 8,000 miles.

 

I was wondering if that stethoscope is at all practical for finding interior rattles or just engine and trans noises?

 

Thanks for the hints! I especially like the stethoscope approach

I'm pretty positive now that it is the tires.

 

i think it may be the tires... im on t1rs with about 10k and they make that vibration at about 20 mph as well.

 

A bad bearing will sound like a roar, whine or growling, and at higher speeds, it will be a louder whining noise. To test them. grab the tire at the top and push/pull it several times in rapid succession. You'll often notice mild play or a clicking sound. Bad bearings often get lose and allow for the wheel to click from side to side. By the way, once you have this, the bearings are shot-- don't drive it anywhere but to the shop, and go slowly!

Tire sounds usually are hums that get louder the faster you go, thumps (if you have a flat spot), some mild low sounding whirring or squeling if tires have extreme toe-in or toe-out.

Stethoscope is also a good way-- I've used it to hunt down sounds that travel from one side of the car to the other.

Good Luck

 

Great deal! I just got one and I can't believe the price! It seems pretty sensitive as well. I'll update when I use it.

 

I thought I had the typical tire roar with the front tires on my 05 G35 (45K)also, but it was a bearing. When I would slow down it would howl, turn to the left it would howl , but turn to the right it was quiet. Dealer said they change out a lot because of hitting potholes with the short sidewall 19's.

 

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