Over the past ~2 months I've noticed a low pitch hum/resonant drone from the rear of the car that only is audible from about 55mph to 62mph. Not related to throttle position nor clutch position from my tests. Is there with coasting at that speed, accelerating through that speed range, and decelerating through that speed range. I have had absolutely no vibrations or driving issues at all (knock on wood.)

Tire pressures look fine, and I have not noticed any vibration or wobble.

Any ideas? Wheel bearing maybe? Was planning on having it serviced for 45k maintenance soon.

Thanks for reading

 

wind?

 

Eh mention it during servicing but might just be the tires like to make noises at that speed.

 

I agree with the tire comment from PAC996. How many miles on the rears, any cupping or uneven wear?

 

Upgrade exhaust to FisterDs?

 

These are all guesses

• wheel bearing
• time for fresh tranny fluid
• low tire
• loose exhaust clamp / bolt
• pulley bearing

GL

 

Wheel bearing has to be at the top of the list.

Sincerely,

Macster.

 

I noticed something very similar prior to replacing my tires. Replaced tires and the sound went away. Could be you need new ones?

 

Well I hate to be the one to have to give you what may or may not be bad news here, but this sounds like it may MAY, be the internal sealed bearings for your gearbox. As they wear out the races they tend to sound just like what you describing. If this is the case it will continue to get worse and potentially more expensive. If you end up ruling everything else out this is probably the culprit.

Let me know if I can be of any help to you with this, if it does end up being the problem. These are a bit tricky to rebuild. We do them all the time though.

Warmest Regards,

Erik Johnson
GBox Performance Transaxle
(303) 440-8899 work
(303) 895-4828 cell
www.gboxweb.com

 

Is it worse under acceleration versus at speed? If worse under acceleration loads that is indicative of transmission issues, but if it is constant, I would look at wheel bearings and tires.

 

Thanks for thoughts so far.

It is constant at those speeds, independent of throttle or clutch. (ie NOT worse with acceleration) I'm 4th owner of car but second owner on these tires... I'll look into their age/wear...

 

Since you first mentioned it always being a specific speed on and off the gas that's why I'm figuring tires. Most bearings I've had throwing trouble at me would change noise or completely quit making noise cornering and accelerating. Bearings when bad are going to be putting off much more heat than standard operating temps. You can feel hubs temp by feeling the wheel since they are mated and the heat will pass directly into the wheel. If you dearly regret touching the wheel its a good bet your bearings are bad.

 

Wheels did not feel hot today after a 10 minute highway drive.

I did notice today that the drone/hum is also audible again at 70-72mph. So for those of you keeping score, it is noticeable at 55-62mph, then again at 70-72ish.
Not sure that this helps, but I figured I'd mention.
I'll have it looked at soon

 

I have a similar noise at similar speeds. It's more noticeable on concrete roads vs. asphalt. After much road testing and checking, I think it's my worn front tires. They are not close to the wear markers, but are pretty worn. Time to order a set of HTZ IIIs

 

Good selection, great price and tire.