Humming Noise

[Ben123]

Folks,

I need some advice here. Noticed lately my car has a humming noise when driving. Noise increases as speed increases and is loudest at 80 km/hr. Beyond 80km/h, the noise reduces again. Not sure if it is resonance at work or due to tire contact. Mine is a 3 yr old car. Does anyone have such a problem before?

 

We all know one way to save on fuel is to minimize the use of air-con. With the compressor running, does it make any difference if I increase the fan speed? How abt adjusting the temperature knob? Is there any fuel consumption (does the compressor cut in and out?) if I set the temp at the coldest versus setting at mid-range.

 

Thanks

[Soya]

the humming sounds like the wheel bearings are worn.

[Hoppe]

one qn,

if humming is due to wheel bearing, isn't the sound gonna be continuous? I mean at every speed?

Why does the sound go off after 80km/h?

[Soya]

he say sound reduce, not go off leh.

[Silver_blade]

Quite sure it is worn wheel bearing. I think the louder road & wind noise, when travelling above 80km/h, may have give you the impression that the humming noise is reduced. Have it checked and replaced asap, before more damages are done.

[Hoppe]

if ball bearing not changed, what could be the "other" damages done?

[Silver_blade]

Over a long period, drive shaft maybe be worn as well.

Edited September 14, 2004 by Silver_blade

[Vidz]

double confirm if humming is cyclic... if yes, then likely like what the rest said is wheel bearings...

 

for air-con, the blower fan is electric driven, it should be less straining on the motor as compared to air-con compressor, so, higher fan setting not so hard on motor thus FC, colder temp setting harder on motor, thus higher FC...

 

not conculsive tho...

 

[Ace_t]

Can a 3 yr old car's wheel bearings wear out so quickly ?

[Soya]

possible. depending on mileage, road conditions and like any other thing on a car, the general quality of the part.

[Hoppe]

maybe he chiong to Malaysia regularly.

The pot holes there can sometimes "test" your suspension alot.

[Ace_t]

I had an encounter once where the humming sound was a result from the engine not having enough oil.

 

Another time was when the water pump was in its final years of life.

[Soya]

water pump failure is more of a grinding sound.

best way to tell is to drive it. a forum diagnosis is usually onli worth wat one is paying for....nothing

[Ace_t]

of course... WYSIWYG

 

[reply]

 

a forum diagnosis is usually onli worth wat one is paying for....nothing

[Pisces69]

if ball bearing not changed, what could be the "other" damages done?

=========================

 

I once tried to delay the wheel bearing change as I was very busy during that time.

 

One day my wheel jammed stuck in the middle of the road.. It locked & couldn't move.

 

I was able to move it a very short distance after the bearing cooled down. Brought it to a workshop nearby the next day. the roller bearing was jammed stuck to the shaft. took a very long time to remove & found all the rollers inside crushed/broken.

 

I never delay changing my wheel bearings anymore. Imagine this happening to me in MY. Costs will be several times more to tow car etc,etc.

 

Whenever I hear the "Wong wong wong" sound, I immediately have my bearings checked by my mechanic. No delays.

 

Sometimes you can check when doing "on wheel" balancing too. Very easy to hear it then.

[Kytl68]

Folks,

I need some advice here. Noticed lately my car has a humming noise when driving. Noise increases as speed increases and is loudest at 80 km/hr. Beyond 80km/h, the noise reduces again. Not sure if it is resonance at work or due to tire contact. Mine is a 3 yr old car. Does anyone have such a problem before?

 

We all know one way to save on fuel is to minimize the use of air-con. With the compressor running, does it make any difference if I increase the fan speed? How abt adjusting the temperature knob? Is there any fuel consumption (does the compressor cut in and out?) if I set the temp at the coldest versus setting at mid-range.

 

Thanks

 

Had the same problem before ... service centre told me it's bearing ... don't be too sure about what people say !!!!

 

I had my tyres changed and the sound was "history" .... if your tyres are already 3 years old also ... time to change or send to tyre shop to check.

[Hoppe]

grinding sound, humming sound.

How to differeciate?

[Soya]

you'll know it when u hear it. the water pump failure got a hollow grinding sound. wheel bearing failure is like a low-frequency roar.