Free Car Repair Advice by Professional Mechanics.
Troubleshooting
/ Worrrrring
Grumble
Sound
Worrrrring or Grumble Sound at Front/Rear
Some road noise is normal but excessive road noise grumble a worrrring
noise from the front or rear of the car can be a sign of failing wheel bearing or
tire wear condition (cupping). An axle bearing can fail from overloading or excessive
usage while the tire condition is caused by worn out struts or shocks and tire balance.
To identify these conditions we have listed below some of the more popular solutions
to various problems.
Troubleshooting Procedure
A. Check the Tire Wear Pattern. A tire with a
scalped tread pattern on the tire will cause a worrrrring sound at speed over 45
MPH. This tire condition is caused by a combination of worn struts or shocks and
tire balance. If a tire is controlled unevenly the tire will vibrate causing the
tread to contact the ground inconsistently. This inconsistence contact with the
road causes the tire tread to wear uneven. (cupping, tire example on the right).
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.
Tire Wear Patterns
B. Inspect Axle Bearings As a front or rear axle bearing fails it will
create a grumble or worrrring sound. To check for this condition the axle 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. An 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.
If the wheel seems lose further inspection is required. This method does not always
work because sometimes axle bearing can remain tight even though they have failed,
but it 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.
C. 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 worring 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 could be failing
is grab a hold of the drive shaft near the rear driver with both hands and shake
it back and forth. If the shaft seems lose further inspection is required.. Disassemble
to inspect bearings and replace as needed. (note: a press is needed to replace pinion
bearing)
Pinion Gear and Bearing
D. 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 bearing and they will disintegrate and fail. While this condition
is occurring it will make a worrring 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 inspect is required.
Failed Ring Gear Pattern
Troubleshooting
/ Worrrrring
Grumble
Sound
Check Manufacturer Specific Car
Noises Questions and Answers
Additional "How to" Car Repair or Services
ASK A CAR REPAIR QUESTION
GET AN ONLINE
REPAIR MANUAL
FOR YOUR CAR - Get instant access to your vehicles drive belt routing, wiring
diagrams, trouble code information and other available updates and factory bulletins.
| 
