2005 Honda civic with 46000 miles on it and the original tires (bridgestone 15") which are worn but not down to the treadwear bars. It has always made sort of a very low growling sound. You can shut the engine off and it will still make the noise. I have noticed it getting considerably louder recently. I am pretty sure its not a wheel bearing since turns make no difference.
If I apply the brakes it sligthly dampens the sound but otherwise the noise is completely dependent upon vehicle speed. Also it has a manual transmission FWD with all of the scheduled maintenance done on it.
So lets hear it......pinion bearing or something similar, or just plain old tires?
Thanks
2007-11-26 12:26:08 · 11 answers · asked by D 3 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
The trans fluid was just changed about 12000 miles ago and there is no leaking fluids of any kind. However the last 10000 miles have been all highway.
2007-11-26 13:17:37 · update #1
The rotors were turned at 36k
2007-11-26 13:19:15 · update #2
could be a C.V. joint
2007-11-26 15:31:44 · answer #1 · answered by popeye83mn 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Tires can make noises, - also bearings, -- however if it is bearings (wheel bearings), - it will change depending on which way the car is turning! Usually the bearing that is bad will decrease noise when on "light side of car" (inside of turn), - since load decreases on "light side"! However if the bearings are "loose" it will possibly react in reverse way!, - Since "load" makes bearings "fit" more tightly!
Check oil in transmission, (if standard transmission) low oil will allow more noise, and could cause damage if unreasonably low. Also in standards the kind of oil used can make a difference in noises! Don't forget to check oil in transfer case also- if has different "case" from trans! Some use one oil supply instead of two!
In most unusual circumstancces, the brake pads could be making the noise, also make sure all the wheel lugs are tight. If just one is loose, - the wheel could "wobble" ever so slightly and make noises too! By the way are the brake disks bolted through hubs with separate bolts, - or "captured" between wheel and hub on lugbolts! I have seen these loose a little and making noises too!
You can also switch wheels from front to back on both sides (preferably driving between change on "second side"), and see if the noise changes any! Once in a while you get a tire that is "noisy" (for no apparent reason)!
On automatics, low oil can sometimes still make transmission work fairly well, - but it may be sucking a small amount of air in with oil, - this is called cavitating, makes kind of a grinding or buzzing noise. So you want to check that too.
Power steering will also make this kind of noise if running low! Either of these will increase or decrease in intensity with engine speed though! NOT whether in neutral or not - as long as engine running!
2007-11-26 12:54:34 · answer #2 · answered by guess78624 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get the car up to speed and try turning the wheel side to side (changing the loanding on the wheel bearings). If the noise goes away then you've found your problem. Although at 46k I wouldn't expect a Honda wheel bearing problem to occur on its own. Have you had recent brake work or other service?
If you get the front end in the air you can give each wheel a spin and push it side to side to check for play or noise in the bearing.
Bridgestone OE tires aren't notably noisy and the original tires on all cars are tuned to the particular vehicle's suspension and weight. But if they begin to wear irregularly at all they can get noisy so the best way to diagnose your problem is to get the car in the air so you can get a good look at each corner.
2007-11-26 12:54:25 · answer #3 · answered by John W 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would start by checking the oil in the transmission.
Could easily be an input bearing or pinion bearing, but low oil will cause some noise before any real damage is done.
Also consider changing the oil in the trans-axle.
You may find filings at the drain plug.
2007-11-26 12:53:08 · answer #4 · answered by Bert from Brandon 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I would say TIRES, wheel bearing do not wear out in 46000 miles unless you have installed reverse offset rims and are bull-leg-gin it. I would rotate the tires and see if there is a difference. Feel the tire by rubbing it in both directions (front/back) if you feel a saw-tooth effect on the tires it will be the tires.
2007-11-26 12:36:31 · answer #5 · answered by segelke germany 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You have 46,000 miles on tires from the day you bought it. Try a new set of tires. The growling sound is from low tire presure as well. Since you have not tried to replace the tires i bet they have not been checked for pressure. Do i get a second guess?
2007-11-26 12:34:43 · answer #6 · answered by Big Deal Maker 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Friends or not.... Have the car looked at by a mechanic.... You may be getting a deal, you may be getting a headache... Either way, get a reliable opinion from a reputable mechanic... And get an idea what the car is worth and how long it will last you. At least some kind of idea of it's present condition.... Good Luck to you, whatever you car you find...
2016-05-26 01:37:03 · answer #7 · answered by jennette 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Shut the engine off & it still makes noise?? Radiator cooling fan have a bad bearing?
2007-11-26 19:59:16 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
rotate the tires, and I bet you'll find a difference in the sound of it. If so replace the tires and have the car aligned to prevent wear on the new tires.
2007-11-26 14:41:34 · answer #9 · answered by Charles C 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You say the noise is getting louder, i would say it is the bearings. I would have them checked to be on the safe side.
2007-11-26 12:43:01 · answer #10 · answered by inflamedzero2002 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
i would say bearings....you can check this out by putting the tires that are on the rear (unless they are worn down completely) if the noise persists, it is bearings.
2007-11-26 12:31:55 · answer #11 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋