Car Grumble Whirring Sound Repair

Some road noise is normal but excessive road noise like a grumble or a whirring  noise from the front or rear of the car can be a sign of a failing wheel bearing  or tire wear condition (cupping, feathering). Anaxle bearing can fail from overloading or excessive mileage, while the tire condition is caused by improper alignment, worn out struts,shocks and or tire imbalance.  To identify these conditions we have listed below some of the more common solutions  to various problems. Troubleshooting

Step 1 

Check the Tire Wear Pattern. A tire with a scalloped  pattern on the tire will cause a whirring sound at speeds over about 45 MPH. This  tire condition is caused by a combination of worn struts or shocks and or tire imbalance.  If a tire is not being controlled evenly the tire will vibrate causing the tread  to contact the ground inconsistently. This inconsistent contact with the road causes  the tires tread to wear unevenly. To check  for this condition, take your hand and pass it over the tire tread, it should be  smooth. If high and low points exist the tire is cupped and needs to be rotated  or replaced depending on the severity of the cupping condition, and the suspension  repair accordingly.

Step 2 

Inspect Axle Bearings As a front or rear axle bearing  fails it will create a grumble or whirring sound. To check for this condition theaxle bearing must be  removed and disassembled to inspect for metal shavings inside the bearing. This  is a sign the bearing has failed and needs replacement. A quick way of checking  for a failed axle bearing is to safely suspend the vehicle so there is no weight  on the tire. Grab a hold of the tire with both hands and shake it back and forth  (top to bottom). If the wheel seems loose further inspection is required. This method  does not always work because sometimes axle bearings can remain tight even though  they have failed, but this method will detect most failures. In the event of an  axle bearing failure it is highly advised to replace the bearing immediately to  avoid catastrophic failure. Depending on the type of bearing you are servicing a  special puller tool maybe required.

Step 3

Inspect Rear Axle Pinion Bearing. The gear that drives  the ring gear is called a pinion gear. The pinion gear is supported by a primary  and secondary bearing. When the pinion bearing fails it will cause a rumble and  whirring sound in the main rear carrier.  To check for this condition the pinion bearing must be removed and disassembled  to inspect for metal shavings inside the bearing. This is a sign the bearing has  failed and needs replacement. A quick way of checking for a failed bearing or pinion  bearing that could be failing is to grab a hold of the drive shaft near the rear driver with both hands and shake it back and forth. If the shaft seems loose further  inspection is required. Disassemble to inspect bearings andreplace rear  differential or bearings as needed. (Note: a press is needed to replace the  pinion bearing)

Step 4

Check Main Differential Gears. The main differential gears transfer power that is delivered from  the transmission to the wheels. These differential gears can become misaligned because  of a failed carrier or pinion bearing and they will disintegrate and fail. While  this condition is occurring it will make a whirring or grumbling sound. The only  way to confirm this condition is to disassemble and inspect the bearings and bearing races. If you remove the oil fill drain plug and remove a small sample of oil from  the carrier, hold it up to the light and inspect for small metal particles. If metal  partials are detected further repair is required.