Loud whirring/growling noise coming from both front wheels

MGC2448

MEMBER
2004 PONTIAC GRAND AM
2.2L
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
144,000 MILES

When driving from 30kmh and up there is a loud whirring/growling noise coming from both front wheels and when you go around a corner it gets quieter. I checked the front end and I had no play. I'm a journeyman technician, I took off the left front hub assembly and it felt a little rough. So, I replaced the left front hub assembly, but the noise is still there. Could bearing noise transfer from side to side or could I be hearing side transaxle bearing noise? I'm also thinking maybe the tires they're winter tires, but I've never heard tires whirring noise that loud before.

1 Reply

KASEKENNY

MECHANIC
18,907 POSTS

I think you are correct, but the issue is you are hearing the noise on both sides. Is there a history to this? Meaning do you drive this vehicle on a regular basis or are you just working on it?

Here are a couple of guides that will cover this issue:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/whirring-sound

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/vehicle-grinding-noise

However, if you are having the noise get quieter when turning then that means the side that you are loading is where the bearing issue is.

So, if you are getting issues on both sides then you may have two hub bearing issues.

Are you able to jack the front end and use a stethoscope on the bearings to find out if they are grinding when you spin them by hand?