I occasionally hear a howling/humming noise from the front right side of my Lexus ES330. The noise intermittently occurs only at a speed higher than
50mph. Moreover, although I'm not 100% sure, I only hear it when driving on certain highways/parkways. So, it seems that the front right tyre could be the culprit. I've been driving for more than 20 years and never heard such a noise from a tyre before. What do you think?
Could be a wheel bearing, as well.
Does it happen with the steering wheel turned slightly one way, but not when it's turned slightly the other way? When I say "slightly", I mean the sort of turning you'd do to compensate for the road's crown, or a gentle bend in the motorway.
Had the same thing happen with a Volvo S80. There was a slight growling sound coming from the right front end. The dealer replaced both front bearings under warranty, but the noise remained. A change of tires three months later eliminated the problem.
I know that it can be a tire/road combination because I have something similar happen only at lower speed and only on a certain stretch of newly paved road. I suspected a problem with a bearing or rear end because I know I have 0.100 end play in the axle. It never happens anywhere else that I drive. If you are having this noise more regularly, I would check bering adjustment just to be sure.
MotorsForum website is not affiliated with any of the manufacturers or service providers discussed here. All logos and trade names are the property of their respective owners.