2001 Honda Accord roaring noise when driving over 30mph.

JBILAZZO

MEMBER
2001 HONDA ACCORD
6 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
85,000 MILES

Roaring noise seems to quiet down when turning to the left but returns when going straight or turning right when driving over 30mph. No roar at speeds under 30mph. I have replaced the 4 tires and both left and right front wheel bearings and still have the noise. Do you have a suggestion what could be causing this roaring noise. Could it be the rear wheel bearings? I have checked them and there is no play in the wheel.
The car seems to be shifting normally so I do not think it is related to the transmission. Thank You.

3 Replies

KHLOW2008

MECHANIC
41,814 POSTS

Hi jbilazzo,

Thank you for the donation.

From the symptoms described, it is most likely to be the Left side wheel bearings.

After replacement of the front wheel bearings was there any changes in the noise level?

To test the rear wheel bearings, jack up vehicle and with handbrakes released, spin the wheel and feel for coarseness in the turning by feeling the struts. Compare between left and right to see if there are any difference. If it is the wheel bearings, it should be the ones on the LEFT side that is faulty.

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Saturday, December 26th, 2009 AT 10:21 AM

JBILAZZO

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Regarding the roaring noise at speeds over 30mph. I first changed the tires, but no change in the roar. Then I changed the left front wheel bearing and again no change in roar. So I figured that I would change the right front wheel bearing and again it did not stop the roar. Prior to changing the wheel bearings I did try to determine which wheel bearing could be the problem by trying to feel some play in the wheel when pushed on it from the 12 o'clock to 6 o'clock position, but there was not any "play" that was obvious. I also tried spinning the tire and holding onto the coil spring trying to feel a little vibration in the bad wheel bearing wheel but I really could not feel any difference from one wheel to the next. So I guess I could just go ahead and change the left rear wheel bearing. I do the work myself so it just costs me the part fee. Although I did have to pay 40 dollars for each front wheel bearing to be pressed out at a machine shop.
Could it be the left bearing at the engine where the axel is attached?
Thanks for your help, I will not get to change the rear bearing for a few weeks.

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Saturday, December 26th, 2009 AT 12:55 PM

KHLOW2008

MECHANIC
41,814 POSTS

If any noise is caused by the transaxle bearings, there would not be any difference when steering is turned.

For such wheel bearings, there seldom would be any axial free play due to the design. If any axial play is present, the condition would be very bad before it is felt.

For front wheels it is not easy to detect any vibrations due to the CV shafts. If any vibrations are felt on the coil springs, the bearing is usually not in good condition. Between the rear left and right, there should be some difference if one is bad.

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Sunday, December 27th, 2009 AT 12:19 AM