Possible wheel bearing going bad?

2006 SATURN ION
270,000 MILES • 2.2L • AUTOMATIC
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SAMGREW
While driving between 58-65 mph I hear a rumbling sound and the car vibrates a little. Over 65 I can feel a slight vibration in steering wheel and seat and floorboard.
Jun 26, 2026 at 9:10 PM
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STRAILER
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
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  • ASE Certified Mechanic
Yep, that sounds like a bearing hub, I would raise the front of the car and grasp the tire top and bottom and try to move it in and out to notice the play, Also, while you drive try to steering wheel slightly one way and then the other to see if the noise changes. I need to tell you of the tires or cupped they can make the make noise to look for that as well. Here is a guide to help you as well.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/7-common-symptoms-of-a-bad-automotive-bearing-hub/

Please upload a short video in your response of the problem, so I can see what's going on.




Jun 26, 2026 at 10:34 PM
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SAMGREW
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I checked all 4 wheel bearings and found no play at all. Tried to record video but you really can't hear the noise ( it's not very loud ). The vibration is not side to side, it's forward to rear. I don't think it's the transmission. It shifts fine.Sorry I couldn't upload the video. Any recommendations would be great. Thank you.
Jun 27, 2026 at 2:45 PM
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STRAILER
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 54,502 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
Yes, I would start by looking at the tires, check for tread cupping, while the car is raised up spin the tires and looks for tread separation, it will be obvious. Check out this link:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-car-tires-work/

Let me know how it goes
Jun 27, 2026 at 3:25 PM
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