Sometimes my 4 month computer's power supply fan makes a whirring, humming sound after I turn it on. I know some computers are pretty loud when they turn on, but this persists until I turn the computer off and on, and it's not a usual occurrence.
When I feel around the back of my computer where my power supply is when this sound is happening, and it's not hot or anything, and there's clearly air still circulating. If it's not overheating, then I thought maybe dust was messing it up, and I cleaned dust out with some compressed air, there wasn't much in there though.
So what do you think the problem is? Is it even a problem? From as much as I can tell there's nothing really wrong yet, the sound is just annoying, but I want to know if I should look to get my power supply replaced in the future or something.
Thanks.
When I feel around the back of my computer where my power supply is when this sound is happening, and it's not hot or anything, and there's clearly air still circulating. If it's not overheating, then I thought maybe dust was messing it up, and I cleaned dust out with some compressed air, there wasn't much in there though.
So what do you think the problem is? Is it even a problem? From as much as I can tell there's nothing really wrong yet, the sound is just annoying, but I want to know if I should look to get my power supply replaced in the future or something.
Thanks.
Has anyone who has an 03 or 04 Pilot heard the sound of humming noise when they step on the gas? The other way to describe the noise is it sounds like a super charger spooling up. Now it only makes the humming/whinning noise when you step on the gas and get to about 20 MPH and up. Under 20 I really did not notice it too much.
- AxleAddict»
- Auto Repair»
Your mechanic says you need a wheel bearing, but you wonder 'What is that?' I will make this as easy as possible to understand, with pictures, video, and my own interpretation. I'll tell you what a wheel bearing is, its job, where it's located, and what it sounds like when it's damaged.
What Is a Wheel Bearing?
A wheel bearing is a set of steel balls held together by a metal ring called a race. They help wheels spin fast with as little friction as possible. They are used on all kinds of vehicles, from bicycles to aircraft and cars. On a car, a wheel bearing rides on a metal axle shaft and fits tightly inside the hub, which is a hollow chunk of metal at the center of the wheel. The hub holds the lug bolts that you use to bolt the tire onto the wheel. The wheel bearing is pressed into the hub from the back.
What Does a Bad Wheel Bearing Sound Like?
When bearings are damaged and making noise, it's hard to diagnose because you have to drive the vehicle in order to reproduce the sound. Here are tips to help you find the source of the problem:
- When the seal on the wheel bearing is broken or damaged, the noise starts out very faint and becomes louder over time. It sounds like the noise that your tires make when hitting a rumble strip on the highway, just not quite as loud, something like the sound of playing cards flapping against bicycle spokes.
- While driving down the road about 40 mph, sway the car side to side slowly, shifting the weight of the vehicle from one side to the other. Do not drive crazy or cause the car to spin out, just sway it gently. Notice whether the noise gets louder or softer. If the noise is a little less if you turn right, the damaged bearing may be on the right side, or vice versa.
- Note that tires that are 'chopped' or 'scalloped' (worn in patches) also make a rhythmic noise that increases in speed. This sounds very similar to a bad wheel bearing. Look at your tires as well if you hear this kind of noise.
Wheel Bearing Noise With a Tire Noise: Very Loud and Vibrating
Helicopter Noise From Your Car, What is it?
Why Do Wheel Bearings Make Noise?
Most wheel bearings are hardened steel and can withstand a lot of abuse. Its two worst enemies are heat and water. Heat caused by lack of lubrication can destroy a wheel bearing. Water that penetrates a sealed bearing will also destroy it.
Most wheel bearings manufactured today are sealed. They come from the factory pressed together as an assembly: front race, bearing set, center race, bearing set, and outer race, with seals on both the front and rear. Seals protect bearings from the elements, water, and debris, and they also seal in the high-temperature grease the bearing needs. When a seal is broken or damaged, the wheel bearing will fail and start making noise.
Pinpointing the Source of Bearing Noise
As explained in the video below, if you really want to know whether your noise is a bearing noise and you can get the car up on a lift, you can use an improvised stethoscope (actually a big screwdriver) to listen to the sound and find out where it's coming from. Have someone in the vehicle start it and run it at about 40 mph. Using a long screwdriver or stethoscope, rest it on the hub near each wheel bearing. Careful! Don't let the tool touch a moving part, or it could fly up and hit you. Listen through the handle of the screwdriver (or through the stethoscope) for the noise, and I guarantee you will be able to determine which bearing is bad.
Wheel Bearing Noise Amplified by a Screwdriver Handle
Replacing Your Wheel Bearing
Wheel bearings do not fail immediately, and usually give you some time before you need to have them replaced. I suppose if a wheel bearing failed completely it could lock up and prevent the car from moving. Then again, my daughter drove on a noisy bearing for six months and nothing happened except that it got louder and louder.
You shouldn't necessarily have the bearings on both sides replaced. Just because one fails is no reason to think the others are about to; bearings should last a long time.
Replacing one is a bit expensive because of the labor involved. There are a lot of parts to remove and get out of the way before you can get to the wheel bearing, especially on a four-wheel-drive or front-wheel-drive vehicle. It's a difficult job to do yourself without a press, because it's a tight fit getting the bearing in and out of the hub. It's less work (though more expense for parts) to replace the whole hub and bearing as a unit.
Wheel Bearing Noise and What it Sounds Like
Please Ask Questions or Comment Below!
I hope this article helped you. If you have a question, please feel free to leave it in the comments box, I will answer it as soon as possible. Your questions are welcome and help other readers.
More by Eddie Carrara on Car Noises
- Brake Noises: What Causes Brake Noises and How to Fix Them
Three of the most common brake noises I encounter on a daily basis, and how to fix them. Some of the repairs I share with you here are not common and you will never find them in a service manual or TSB. - Four Common Car Noises
Four common car noises that drive a vehicle owner crazy: what they are and what you need to do to fix them.
This article is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge. Content is for informational or entertainment purposes only and does not substitute for personal counsel or professional advice in business, financial, legal, or technical matters.
- How much will it cost to replace the wheel bearing?This all depends on the vehicle and where it's located on the vehicle. There is a big difference in labor between a Honda Civic rear wheel bearing and a Ford F250 rear wheel bearing. The average cost is about 2 hours labor for a front wheel bearing.282
- What should I get done first: wheel bearings, or brake pads and rotors?There is some overlap in labor and you could save a few bucks doing them at the same time, so if you can borrow the money to do both jobs together it would be ideal. I don't know how bad the wheel bearing is, so I can't say which is more important.67
- I hear a grinding noise in the front wheel area, do you think its a wheel bearing?A wheel bearing noise is similar to a hum and is usually heard above 25 mph. If this is what you are hearing it's a good possibility a worn wheel bearing is what you are hearing.25
- Why are my wheels screeching on bends and corners?Most likely, the rotor backing plate is to close to the rotor and needs to be adjusted.4
- My car only has 12,000 miles on it. It was stuttering and not responding on and off when I would push the gas pedal. The dealership has had it for four weeks and is now thinking that my wheel bearing needs replaced. Is this unusual? Should I be concerned that I will have further problems?The problem you're having has nothing to do with wheel bearings; it sounds more like you have an issue with the throttle position sensor or mass airflow sensor.18
© 2011 Eddie Carrara
- My mechanic just said my 2005 Accord needs a wheel bearing. He showed me where the wheel was loose and said it was bad. I am trying to just get another 5 months out of the car. What is the worst that can happen if I continue to drive it? Is it dangerous to continue to drive it?
- Hello Phill,I have a 97 civic and the car is manual. When im driving and put the car in neutral and let if roll anywhere over 15 mph or in between shift it squeaks. Do you have any ideas that would help me, Thank you.
- Hi Eddiei have a 15' AWD Equinox that has a frequent but intermittent issue that I only hear when braking. From inside the vehicle, sounds like a rattle when the brakes are applied, but if I am braking at lower speeds with the window down, and have a concrete barrier to reflect the sound I swear the sound like a bicycle with a baseball car in the spoke is evident from both front wheels. If the vehicle is parked for a while the sound doesn't occur, but after driving for awhile it appears to stay for the duration of the day. I took the vehicle to a local mechanic that took apart the wheel and said he saw some rust, but then thought the issue was fixed after finding some rocks inside the fins of the rotor and not hearing the sound after that during short drives. Do you have any thoughts about this issue before I commit to fixing the vehicle by the process of elimination by repair?Thanks for any help and or suggestions!
- I just went to go to the store. When I turned right it made a really loud noise and the front tire just felt funny! So I backed up and parked it. Any ideas?? Thank you!!
- We have a 2005 chevy equinox we started hearing a rumble strip kinda sound from the passenger side , when i drive 50-52 mph it makes the noise when i slow down it goes away. Would this be a bad wheel bearing?
- Looking for help on a scrapping / for lack of a better term banging noise only when driving, not present when in Park, no engine codes or anything its a 2004 Chysler Sebring, as mentioned there is what almost sounds like scrapping and a thump thump thump noise, any advice would be appreciated
- Pretty sure got a bad wheel bearing. Started making noise about 2-3 wks ago. Drove about 350 miles and noticed it’s Gerri g louder (2014 Honda Pilot). Need to drive it back home another 350 miles and was going to take it to dealership and get fixed. Do think it’s okay to drive?
- the humming noise started when balancing weights fell off rim but it does silence when steering wheel is turned left slightly
- I recently had a right front outer tie rod replaced. A week later I began hearing a humming noise. Based on comments I've read it sounds like a wheel bearing going bad. Is it possible the wheel bearing was broken when the tie rod was replaced?
- Can a car accident break wheel bearings even if it didint hit face to face but from the front bumper driver side? ... I had my jeep for 1yr and 3months and didint had an issue i gave it to my friend and all of a sudden shes having issues with it and claims that because the car was in an accident it messed up the wheel bearings. I got the car in november 2017 and in feb 2018 i had the accident i gave her the jeep in december 2018 and shes been having it for 5months and has been having issues. Her son is 6'5 and weights close to 300 lbs will that be a factor for the wheel bearings to mess up
- I have a 2004 Ford Explorer and i hear and can kinds feel the vibration but it only does that when im going 10mph and not pressing the gas or break but when i do press the gas or break it stops and it is bothering the hell outta me.
- 2012 Nissan Altima went to the shop for brakes. Now, I hear this roaring noise that sounds like your description of bad wheel bearings. Is it just a coincidence that the bearings went bad after brakes were fixed? Or is it possible the shop I had the work done made a mistake. Should I take it back to the same shop? Any suggestions?
- Hello Eddie.I went to the shop. As soon as I told them i had just had my tires rotated and the sound got louder they checked the condition of my front tires that were on the back previously. Found a couple knots in one and smaller knots in the other. He called them 'choppy'. Fortunately i did purchase the plus warranty on each tire. Theyre not even a year old and i havent even put 10,000 miles on them yet, so hopefully they will replace them! Who knew that the tires would mimic the same sounds almost tht a bad wheel bearing will do? I wonder what caused this since they were thr back tires? My struts are fine so what else coold cause this to happen? Manufacturers defect or something I've done? Thanks so much!~Cassie
- Hi Eddie. We changed the breaks and jacked the car up to see if there is any play in the bearings. No play but since getting the rotation the helicopter sound and humming has gotten louder. Taking it to shop today to put on a lift so they can diagnose the proper one. Most likely change both front anyway bc it sounds lkke its coming from the front. Could rotating the tires put strain on an already bad bearing thus making the systems worse? I will update after the shop does their thing today. Gonna go be sure that is what it is but we are almost 100% sure bc if the humming and helicopter sound. Thanks again!
- I have a 2013 Elantra and last year before replacing all 4 tires l could hear a low humming sound along with what reminded me of a low toalmost flat tires sound. A few months after getting new tires the sound has returned but even louder. Had all 4 new tires rotated and balanced 2 days ago and the sound is still there along with a slight vibration felt in steering wheel and gas pedal. Does this sound like a wheel bearing. I only have about 76,000 miles on the car and my tires are about 8 months old and have been rotated and balanced 2 days ago. Thanks
- My 2016 Buick Regal started a 'knocking/woodpecker' type noise, drivers side, when decelerating. Recent road hazard (screw) removed from tire followed by routine tire rotation.Any thoughts? Thank you.
- Hello!I have an 03’ Ford Explorer 4-wheel drive. Recently I had some pretty bad shaking. We had the tires changed and shaking seemed to resolve itself. Not long after shaking was resolved I’ve noticed a slue of other problems. I do hear some humming that seems to come from the back (hard to tell because I always have my children with me) although it does sound more clear towards the back end. Under driver side I have felt what feels like a “thump” repetitively that comes and goes. Now, when I accelerate to 50+mph my vehicle seats roughly from side to side. Especially turning curves, once straightening steering wheel it almost seems to want to go straight. It has been very scary quite a few times. Feeling like I have zero control of the vehicle. We just noticed this morning that the front passenger side wheel has inner tire wear, quite significant (balding actually, tires were put on just two months ago less than 4K miles on them). Balding seems to be more centered than inner although the wear does extend towards inner side as well. I hear some metal grinding somewhat from back end I believe when going low speeds such as 10-20mph. Not sure where to start at for repairs to be most friendly toward our pockets as we will have to do everything in steps because we cannot afford to do it all at one time. Any advice and suggestions?
- I just got 2 tires replaced on my front tires on my 2003 Malibu and now i'm hearing a hum coming from the front left tire. This is the tire that ended up going flat and I had to put a donut on it before getting the tires replaced. It gets quieter the faster I drive.
- Hi Eddie!Hope u r fine....i have Ford Explorer 2009..a sound like thumping is arising out from front wheel(driver side),the mechanic replaced the left front wheel bearing but no improvement in sound, i mean the sound remained same as earlier, then changed front two tyres,made wheel alignment but no respite...I experienced that when I drive straight or turn left, the sound remains same but when I turn the steering slight right or take a right turn in curve, the sound disappears..The sound also become disappear (not completely, but almost 10% remains) when I apply brake while driving straight or taking left turn...Plz advise..thnx a lot!1
- After my snow tires were replaced, by the dealer, I heard the bearings problem. Is it possible that they damaged the bearings when they put on the regular tires?
- My Jeep has been making this noise every time I turn in left direction (on ramps, wide turns) turning into a driveway not so much. It only happens when I turn the wheel left, nothing when it’s straight or turning right. It has gotten louder in the last week. I noticed today it stops the noise when I press on the break. Sounds like something in a peg of a bike. Any suggestions...is it something that needs to be fix ASAP?
- Hey Eddie,I am hearing what sounds like coins rolling, or dragging chains in my front passenger side tire. It is a constant sound when driving slowly, enough so, that people look over as i drive by. I dont think it is wheel bearing, as ive heard that noise before. I am at a loss as to what this sound could be. HELP!
- MY steering wheel makes a humming noise when I hit about 40 mph when steering to the right and goes away when steering to the left. Do you think that that’s the wheel bearing?
- I have a 2002 nissan exterra with 146 ,000 miles and every time i step on the gas it makes a loud noise like a helicopter but louder with a pop, pop sound ,what do u think is wrong and is it worth fixing. Thank you
- I have a car under extended bumper to bumper warranty with 20k miles left. Over the past year the rear bearing has been getting louder and after taking it into dealership they claimed the scratched rim from parallel parking was an outside influence that caused the bearing to fail and would no longer be covered. Is this reasonable?
- How long should a front wheel bearing last no matter being of cheap quality?Here our retailers ask us to open it and add some grease. No matter done , still they don't last. To me if they take 6 months I could say they lasted longer.
- Do i need to add some grease on in a new front bearing before fitting?Also what is the actual type of grease to be added if necessary?
- I have a 2007 hummer h3 i think the hub is going bad it is making a really bad metal on metal sound it went from just barely able to hear it to omg i think the tire is falling off really fast. What else can it be or where is a good place to start ? Thanks in advance
- My car is a GMC Jimmy I hear what sounds like a thumbing noise seems like On the passage side, even when drive slow what could it be?
- I slid into a curb last night, the left side of the my car took the brunt of the force, but my rear wheel rim appeared to be the only thing damaged. I got it replaced yesterday. However now when I drive above60km/hr(Canadian) I hear a noticeable oscillating low frequency sound, hard to describe, but its constant wrrrWRRwrrr and other then noise level speed doesn’t effect it. Its loudest at 80km hr. it doesn’t sound like a wheel bearing(womwomwom). Im wondering if a tire could be damaged or something else. My steering wheel isn’t vibrating, doesn’t feel ‘loose’.
- Hi EddieFirst I’d like to tell you how kind and so knowledgeable you are. It’s hard out here to know what to do. Well, I have a Saturn Vue 2006, just yesterday I noticed a hum as I go and it starts in about 40 mph. We did have a lot of rain the other day and sandy dirt under. Should I first spray out the wheels then test it again, or just take it to a mechanic?
- 2000 saturn sl1.how many bearings on one front hub assembly unit?I had left side replaced noise became worse. company refuses to believe it is the bearing.
- Thank you Eddie, will be changing all 4 tyres tomorrow will let you know if the noise disappears.
- Hi Eddie, I own a 2008 Toyota Yaris and recently started to hear a woo woo noise from the front right side when the car is just rolling at say 30m/h. It even shook a bit. Please what do you think this is?
- I have a 2012 Subaru legacy with 140,000 milesAlways have it maintainedJust had rear bearings replace is dealership where I purchased car. I always go in to have a safety inspection. To make sure all is OK.Brakes, oil change, etc.On my way to my grandson's Christmas eve mass I turned the corner and this loud scraping metal sound coming from the rear of the car. Thought I picked something up. Stopped and looked did not see anything. Proceeded to go and it got even worse.
- I am hearing a noise in my front driver tire but it's not all the time. Usually when I have driven for a while and it happens when I change speeds or go over any kind of bump. It's sound like a 'tink'... sort of like hitting a pie pan or a low symbol. Is this the wheel bearing?
- Hi so if it doesn’t hum it’s not a wheel bearing prob? What if it sounds and feels like grinding when at higher speeds when I turn to the wheel that makes the noise? The brakes aren’t touching the rust that is on the caliper but that side caliper is warped
- Hello Eddie,My car has this helicopter noise, it's clearly heard when am driving but brakes/slows down to stop.What could this be?
- Hi mr. Carrara it would be awesome if you could give me an answer about a noise on left wheel that feels like the tire is coming off and vibrates and has a grinding noise, not a hum like your videos. It does it most at high speeds turning left. I jacked it up and didn’t feel any play in the wheel. Lug nuts are tight. Thanks)
- I noticed a tire rub noise from the front drivers side. The faster i go the louder it gets. A mechanic said it is the rack and pinion and needs to be replaced and that the noise is the tire rubbing because the wheel is wobbling. How dies that sound to you?
- Hi Eddie,I have a 2015 Dodge Durando. I started hearing a gurgling or bubbling sound that seems to come from the driver front end (sounds like in the motor above the wheel well). The noise starts at a stop, when starting to accelerate from a stop, and when turning the wheel (mostly to the left) and the car is a little warmed up. It does not happen during normal driving. I have also noticed that when i hit the gas from a stop, I feel and hear a slight 'rub' for a couple of seconds and as a speed up a bit all the noises go away.I brought it in for service, a bunch or work was done, the noise is still there. Clearly they did not drive it or diagnose properly. You can't miss this noise.Your thought on what could be wrong would be greatly appreciated !! Thank you !!!!
- Hi Eddie,I came across your posts after searching to get an idea of what might be causing my problem. I have a 2005 Honda Odyssey. It’s got over 211,000 miles on it. It’s rapidly approaching needing new brakes (if it’s not already there, I drive it a LOT). Can an extremely hard braking event cause the bearings to go out?The other day I was on the interstate and a car that was going much slower moved into my lane, then promptly hit their brakes, hard. Thankfully I was watching and was already preparing to slow down, but I didn’t expect them to slow so drastically so quickly. I had to really press my brakes hard and as I did, I heard a low rumbling sound not typical of the van as I slowed down.Afterwards, it was making the helicopter noise to the extent that I pulled over thinking I had a flat tire. The tires are new and properly inflated.The van now consistently makes the helicopter noise when my speed hits between 50-55 MPH, but not before that speed, and decreases once I pass 55 MPH.Could the hard braking have caused a wheel bearing to go bad or just amplified the issue?Thanks for any insight. I know it’s hard to tell without looking at the vehicle specifically.
- I am having a sound, what sounds like its from my front driver side tire and it makes a noise like there is card in my bicycle spokes. This last July to August, I replaced my hub assemblies, upper n lower ball joints, brake pads, and even got an alignment done with new tires. So most say its the wheel bearing, but I even took the front end apart to try to find any inconsistency. But there wasnt one. Got any ideas?
- The mechanic that I've taken my car to twice now for an exhaust job (not the same exhaust job) told me my rear wheel bearings are going bad, Mind you I have heard no airplane noise and no play in the wheel or shaking at 50 or less mph. He said I will plus my breaks will go down to the floor. Yes, I am getting a second opinion because he did not specify which bearing either and I think he is now trying to be dishonest. He said it isn't an emergency and it could wait a couple months. Also, he said they may never go bad. It sounds fishy to me now. My mechanic I use for all my other jobs test drove my car last week because I heard a noise in the front and thought it was a loose lug nut but he told me it was the exhaust so I went somewhere else for a lower price for work which was this mechanic that said I need rear wheel bearings. I do believe my main mechanic would have caught it because not only did they drive it around the block they had it up on the rack. No they did not drive it 50 mph but still he would have experienced play in the steering wheel. I really don't need to bother with this meaning a second opinion. Right? Thank you...Oh I have a 2003 Rav4 with 166,000 mph.
- I have a Honda Accord 2013.The noise accelerate in the back as I increase speed.My mechanic drove my car and told me I need rear ball bearings.At the same time my steering wheel at 60 miles per hour Shake slightly,Can all that be related to the same problem and is it dangerous driving because this just started
- How much am I looking at to replace both front hub bearings, rotors and brakes on a 2003 Monte Carlo SS
- Hi, Eddie - I have a 2011 Ford Focus with 169k on it and after getting new tires Friday, I noticed a roar like a prop plane that gets worse with speed and not RPM's. Hadn't heard it before the new tires, so I went back and they told me it was likely wheel bearings. I did the swerve test and the noise is worse when I swerve but there's no vibration or pull to either side and the ride is still smooth. Based on this does it still sound like bearings? I do have rough engine vibration at idle as well, so I'm not sure if there might be something else at play.Thanks!
- Thanks for the info, mine started making noise this week but got to wait to pay day to fix it. Knowing your daughter drive for a minute without incident calms my nerves.
- have a 2016 Mitsubishi outlander sport...they tell me i need to new front wheel bearings...it's a single family car...76000 miles on it...no hard driving serviced when needed...does this sound normal for a car 2 years old...i thought you get 100000 miles out of bearings under normal driving????