Humming noise

[slimco]

2004 Pontiac Sunfire and when I get to about 35/40mph I start to hear this sound. The best I can describe it is a humming noise. The noise though goes away when I turn the steering wheel to the left, but then comes back once I stop turning. There is no vibration in the steering wheel or pedals. The noise will go away when I start to slow down and get below 35mph.

 

[Zimgxp]

Sounds like a hub. Jack the car up and grab the wheel at 12 and 6 oclock and try to wiggle it. If there is movement, replace the hub.

 

[slimco]

I jacked the passenger side of the car up and was not able to wiggle the wheel, but it did spin. Should I check the driver side? It's kinda hard to tell where the noise is coming from, but it sounds like the passenger side is where the noise is coming from.

 

[Zimgxp]

I would check both sides just in case.

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[slimco]

I jacked the driver side up and I was able to wiggle the wheel, just a little. Not much, but it did seem to wiggle/move more than the passenger side. So it seems like its the driver side wheel bearing/hub assembly that is shot. Any idea what size tools I will need for this job? I know there are 4 bolts that I have to remove, but I'm not sure of the size of them.

 

[Zimgxp]

You need a socket for the axle nut also. I don't know the size, so cant help you there.

 

[Jack99]

.

I had a previous 2001 Sunfire (base) vehicle. Before we sold it, its front tires had a humming sound - like turning deep knob snow tires. Each hub was firm and in the corners, the humming sound went away. Long story short, each front wheel bearings were worn out. Next vehicle owner replaced both front wheel bearings and the humming sound instantly went away. This might be same condition for your Sunfire as well.

Hope this helps...