Been a while, folks! My 2011 is now about 14.5 years old, with 112K miles on it and Im experiencing a humming/howling noise from the front end, most noticeable from 30 to about 65 mph.

It feels a little rougher and sounds a little louder when I turn left (maybe right wheel bearing?) but the noise exists when going straight and turning right as well. Have put the trans in neutral and it still does it, as well as under braking, acceleration or just coasting.

Tires are a bit worn, but they look even..no cups, no chunks out of the rubber, etc. Ive jacked the car up and verified the wheels aren't "floppy" (push/pull on them at 12 and 6, and 9 and 3) and they dont budge.

Any tips on troubleshooting? Its AWD, so I know I have the xfer case and differential bearings to consider, but not quite sure how to rule those in or out as the culprits.

Thanks in advance.

-Chris

 

Probably this, particularly if you're on original parts. After a quick test drive and getting the car up on the lift, a shop would confirm that right away.

 

Had similar issue on 2013 AWD S with new tires and just replaced all of my wheel bearings with oem and now no noise and smooth as silk.

 

Thanks everyone! (sorry, was on vaca for a few days)

Im going to DIY this one, the vehicle can be "down" for some time so I can take my time and deal with it.

Ordered front wheel bearings and an axle nut socket for now. None of the front or rear bearings sound bad when I spin the wheels, and the wheels dont flop around (still), but it still seems like the likely culprit. I did swap wheels front to back and the noise didnt change, so pretty much ruled out tires.

The right rear tire is worn more than the rest (particularly on the inside), but that wheel bearing sounds the same as the left rear...with both wheels off the ground all you really here is the diff gears moving. There is a spot while spiinning the wheels that seems like the rotor might be rubbing the brake pads, I do have new rotors to put on, the existing ones may just be warped.

No alarming movement in the axles (up/down, side/side, in/out), though I did note what look like some "seepage" on the inner axle cup (where it bolts to the diff) of both rear axles.

Inner and outer boots are intact on all 4 axles

Only thing I cant really tell is if its a front diff or transfer case bearing issue. At this point the wheel bearings should probably be replaced anyway, so Ill work on that first and see where it lands.

Thanks again.

-Chris