Car makes a humming noise in the front passenger?

Tiny
$AVAGELOVE187
  • MEMBER
  • 2005 HYUNDAI ELANTRA
  • 2.0L
  • 4 CYL
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 204,000 MILES
My mother bought me the car listed above in December of 2022; I believe from an auction right before she passed. About a month later I noticed a weird sound like a humming noise coming from the front of the car but only after hitting around 30 MPH. I don't know a lot about cars. I've had a couple people tell me they think it's the wheel bearing. So, I Googled how to check because I will be making a long trip in about 2 weeks and it said to try to move the tires while on the ground and then also try to shake it horizontal and vertical ways to see if it moves and it doesn't which is confusing. While jacked up it spins like normal and doesn't make any noise. In light of my mom passing and dealing with all her stuff I'm financially struggling and only have a little money to be able to fix it hopefully so I can't afford to buy a part and hope it fixes it cause non mechanics (my family) think it's that. Like I previously said I don't know a lot about cars and I don't know anything about the car history besides my mom got it through an auction around Albany Oregon 7 months ago I'm hoping to just get expert advice on the possibilities it could be.
Sunday, July 16th, 2023 AT 11:09 AM

11 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,144 POSTS
Hi,

First, I am very sorry for your loss.

A humming sound is often the result of a failing wheel bearing. This isn't something that is fixable other than to replace the bearing. So, we need to make sure that is the issue before spending money.

Here is what I need you to do. When you drive the vehicle and hear the sound, pay attention to see if it changes based on speed.

Next, pay attention to if there is a change in the sound when turning left or right.

Take a look at this link:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/symptoms-of-a-bad-axle-or-wheel-bearing

The idea that there is no play in a bad bearing isn't uncommon. It could be making noise but not have play in it.

Let me know what you find or if you have other questions.

Take care,

Joe
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Sunday, July 16th, 2023 AT 9:13 PM
Tiny
$AVAGELOVE187
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I actually drove while recording at different speeds and coasting and acceleration with the windows up and down, but for some reason I have tried to upload them on this but when I hit about 30 to 35 MPH it makes what I believe is a humming sound. It sounds like it's coming from the front passenger side. Not sure but I know it sounds like the front and when I accelerate above 60 MPH the sound is much louder but then when I coast at about 35 MPH without hitting the gas it makes a louder one, I think. When I had the car jacked up it wouldn't wobble but it spun like normal, and I didn't hear the sound of there's an email I can send the videos or a different way to upload the video so you can be able to hear it better.
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Sunday, July 16th, 2023 AT 9:32 PM
Tiny
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I meant if there's an email address to send the videos or a different way to upload it that would be awesome. Thank you again so much for your time and response.
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Sunday, July 16th, 2023 AT 9:34 PM
Tiny
$AVAGELOVE187
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  • 9 POSTS
I finally figured out the video uploading it's the longish videos that are having a hard time uploading but here is 3 of the 5 videos hopefully the other 2 will upload soon.
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Monday, July 17th, 2023 AT 8:45 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,144 POSTS
Hi,

The video was uploaded, but I have no audio. Were you able to check if the sound changes when making turns? If you open the passenger side window and drive somewhere there that side is near a building or something that will reflect the sound, you may hear the sound better.

Let me know.

Joe
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Monday, July 17th, 2023 AT 7:29 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,144 POSTS
Hi:

The video was uploaded, but I have no audio. Were you able to check if the sound changes when making turns? If you open the passenger side window and drive somewhere there that side is near a building or something that will reflect the sound, you may hear the sound better.

Let me know.

Joe
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Monday, July 17th, 2023 AT 7:29 PM
Tiny
$AVAGELOVE187
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  • 9 POSTS
Sorry hopefully the other 2 videos upload because they have audio on them but yes when turning it makes a sound I want to say when turning left is louder also when I let go of the wheel the car starts pulling to the right. When I go over 60 mph it has a little vibration in the wheel. I've been watching a lot of videos and the best one to describe the noise is like putting a card up to the spokes of a bike tire while it's spinning but not so loud. I'm going to jack up the front end of the car now and see if I put my hand on the spring thing and spin the tire and see if I feel a vibration in it.
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Tuesday, July 18th, 2023 AT 10:18 AM
Tiny
$AVAGELOVE187
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So, I jacked up the front end and held onto the springs things by tire while spinning it and there was a vibration on the right side. So, at this point I'm assuming it's the wheel bearings. So, my next question is, could I get the grease and grease the one in it to get me home which is about 5-hour trip and then get it replaced or get a new one?
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Tuesday, July 18th, 2023 AT 1:23 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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Hi,

That is really a hard question for me to answer. I have no idea how bad the bearing is. Also, they are sealed bearings, so you really can't add grease to them.

Let me know if I can help in any way.

Joe
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Tuesday, July 18th, 2023 AT 8:38 PM
Tiny
$AVAGELOVE187
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Oh man, I was hoping it wasn't that one. Okay, one last question can you tell me what part number is the correct one and can I just replace the bearing or does or the hub assembly?
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Wednesday, July 19th, 2023 AT 10:22 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,144 POSTS
Hi,

If you have to replace the front wheel hub bearing, it requires a press and some specialized tooling. It's actually a somewhat big job. Also, you can just replace the bearing.

I attached the directions below. Take a look through them and let me know if you have questions or if I can help.

Take care,

Joe

See pics below.
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Wednesday, July 19th, 2023 AT 8:27 PM

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