Loud 1996 SL2

Could be a wheeling bearing

Good thought. That's one possibility I didn't consider. Is there a way to check without taking it to a garage? Thanks.

If the sound is like a loud buzz then it is you upper motor mount. Very simple repair and will get rid of the buzz saw sound. I am getting ready to replace mine AGAIN in the spring. If you do a replacement ALSO replace the motor transmission mount on the bottom oppisite side of the upper mount. That is why i am replacing mine again

I just went through that myself... The wheel sounded like a heavy jet taking off - low rumbling type noise.

Initially I thought it was a bad tire but after putting the car on jacks I wiggled the wheel and realized it's the bearing that is shot. In fact both bearings were shot. Had them both replaced and it's been MUCH quieter since.

Oh yeah.... you can check it by jacking up the car just enough so the wheel is off the ground. Grab the tire at 9 and 3 o'clock position and try slightly wiggling it (pull the 9 oclock towards you while pushing the 3 oclock away from you and vice versa). Do it very lightly and if you feel a slight play then try grasping the top and the bottom of the wheel and doing the same thing. It the wheel has play in both cases then you can almost be assured it's the bearing.

OK, thanks a lot. I'm going to do that.

It was the RHS wheel bearing. They can always find something else too, in this case it was the RHS CV joint. Maybe they bearing and CV joint helped destroy each other. In any case, my car is much quieter.... maybe I won't be buying a new car after all. Now I need to replace the front door seals. I think a lot of noise leaks through the gaps.

So thanks to everyone who replied.

Just a P.S. The car rides better too. I think there was enough play in the bad components to add to the hammering while going through potholes. The suspension seems much tighter now.