Trying to diagnose front passenger wheel noise. 2011 Ford Focus SE?
I'm having a very difficult time diagnosing a deep grinding/vibration sound coming from my front right wheel. I initially thought this was the result of old spark plugs as they had over 100K on them. I replaced them and saw no change than started to realize that the sound its coming from the wheel rather than the engine. CV axle is new, along with new Monroe struts. When installing the struts I had to replace the outer tie rod end. The sound is getting gradually worse and I'm going on a trip at the end of the month so Id like to get this figured out before then. It does not sound like a wheel bearing it is much deeper. It honestly sounds like a mustang is accelerating and misfiring as I go over bumps, but it did not used to run this way. It is the most noticeable upon acceleration where passengers even notice it. Turning right while accelerating is also very loud, however when turning left there's almost no sound. Another thing I notice is when the weight is removed from the wheel the sound subsides. For example while accelerating it will make a very loud noise but if I go over a speed bump the sound will subside as the wheel goes over the bump and will immediately return as the weight of the vehicle is placed back on the wheel. At higher speeds is is far less noticeable but still there. I read a bit about wheel bearings and it doesn't seem to match up with that. I'm having a very hard time figuring out what it could be, anything helps.
It's the left wheel bearing. The swerving changing the noise is putting the cars weight on or off the bearing. Swerving right loads that front left.
The noise is almost certainly the left bearing assembly, as 'not' has suggested, but instead of guessing, get yourself a car stethoscope at any auto parts store or Harbor Freight. They are under $10, and can pinpoint exactly where the noise is coming from.
Block the back wheels and jack the front up.
Put the vehicle in neutral.
Take the front wheels off and use a screw driver to back off the brake pads from the rotor a bit, so they don't rub & make noise, and are easier to spin.
Put the wheels back on.
Put the stethoscope in your ears, spin one wheel and probe near or on the wheel bearing mounting bolts.
If it's bad, you'll hear it grinding. A good bearing makes a subtle smooth hiss when spun, so listen carefully.
Do the same for the back ones while you're at it.
You can use a dowel rod as a stethoscope in a pinch
It's most likely the wheel bearing. Have a mechanic put it up in the air and use a stethoscope to listen to the bearing. Have you even jacked that tire off the ground to see if you have play in the bearing?
A mechanic looking at the car on a lift will give you a correct diagnosis.
The very first thing that came to my mind is "wheel bearing". I had it done to my car last year, it's complicated. They have to pretty much take your wheel apart.
It's Chucky.
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