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[cheapshots]

Hi guys,

454 1.3 semi auto, 44k mileage

My beloved 453 is generating a constant loud, low pitch humming type noise which is noticeable when travelling over approx 20mph.

It sounds like it’s coming from the front O/S tyre so I’m thinking ball bearing, but a little odd with such low mileage?

I check all the tyres - all of which are in pretty good condition.

Is there anyway you can think of for me to confirm the diagnosis and find the offending tyre/wheel?

Thanks!

[Brabs]

Most likely wheel bearing. Jack up the car, spin the wheel and listen for grumbling noises.

[cheapshots]

Thanks. I’ll give that a try  now actually.

Euro car parts are selling a SKF front wheel bearing kit for £100, which seems a descent price ...

[cheapshots]

Jacked and tested all four wheels - to be honest the front two sound similar to each other and rear two sound similar to each other too!

I think I’m going to take her to my local garage

[Problemchild]

Or just wait until it gets worse

As owners we do pick up on small changes

It may be road noise. Could be the heat. Give it some time. Make sure the car is serviced regularly and everything else is just an annoyance until it fails

JJ

[cheapshots]

The humming noise started 3 weeks ago and has got worse in the sense that the humming noise is starting at lower and lower speeds (I first noticed it when going above 40MPH and now it’s when above 20MPH), i’d like to think I’m not imagining it 

Hmmmm.... I’ll give it a for more weeks maybe

[mr singh]

if it starts at 20 then its not a bearing, unless its hanging off!

its more likely to be a misshaped tyre, i.e. run your hand on the inside and outside edge and it might feel as if its stepped or 'castled'.

might be worth having the tracking checked.

[CrazyG]

Are all the tyres the same make/manufacture ?
(As well as the same 'model' tyre)

I noticed a lot of noise when I first got my latest Brab as 3 tyres
were Falken's and one was a Maragoni !  I changed the odd one
to a Falken and the 'noise' decreased considerably.

[cheapshots]

The tyres are different brands but the correct type for the car. The garage called me just now and said they think it's both rear bearing but that they still have some life in them. They're going to change one of the bearing and advised to monitor the noise until the noise gets louder....

These bearings are quite pricey at around £90 for one!

[gimba]

If a grage ever turned to me and simply said " I think it's ..." , I'd walk away

[mr singh]

These bearings are quite pricey at around £90 for one!

genuine or non-genuine?

there have been recorded issued with some non-genuine rear hubs.

[cheapshots]

Bit of an update - the garage replaced the rear off side ball bearing with an aftermarket one from Euro Car Parts and the noise has vanished.

They did say they think the rear near side ballbearings are on their way out too but to come back when they become noisey.

Parts and labour £140

[Problemchild]

Not so bad then

JJ

[cheapshots]

Not bad at all!

Thanks for all your help everybody.