Help With a Front Wheel Issue

[Delano]

My long commute dictated a new daily driver so I picked up a 2000 Hyundai Accent for $300. I fixed several minor problems with the thing but recently a front wheel issue has popped up.

Whenever I'm driving it makes a loud humming noise from the front wheels. Inside edge of the front tires are starting to wear unevenly. I did a full rotation but the problem continued.

If I turn right the noise stops but a left turn makes it slightly worse.

The car drifts right very slightly when at highway speed.

Bearing? Simple fix?

Thanks fellas.

[Sofa King]

My first thought was bearing.

[PhillyChiefFan]

Originally Posted by Sofa King

My first thought was bearing.

This, I had to replace a bearing in my car for the same sound.

[SAUTO]

front bearing. no doubt in my mind

[Delano]

Originally Posted by JASONSAUTO

front bearing. no doubt in my mind

Very good. Based on the noise disappearing when I turn right, can I assume it is one side or the other?
Posted via Mobile Device

[Radar Chief]

Originally Posted by Delano

Very good. Based on the noise disappearing when I turn right, can I assume it is one side or the other?
Posted via Mobile Device

If you’re going to replace a bearing it would be in your best interest to replace them all.
They’ll all, presumably, have the same miles and wear so if one is gone the others won’t be far behind.

[Delano]

Originally Posted by Radar Chief

If you’re going to replace a bearing it would be in your best interest to replace them all.
They’ll all, presumably, have the same miles and wear so if one is gone the others won’t be far behind.

That makes sense. Good idea.
Posted via Mobile Device

[Buehler445]

Originally Posted by Delano

Well I think I ruled out the tires by doing the rotation. Still noise from the front.
Posted via Mobile Device

Sometimes the tread just makes noise, but I doubt this is your problem. There was a stretch of road between Emporia and KC that made the tires on the car I had at the time just absolutely scream. The first time I drove on the road with those tires I stopped and looked over my car because I thought it was going to assplode or something. The road changed and it quit.

It's probably the bearing like these guys have said. While you're under there, take a good look at the CV joint boots (I assume it is front wheel drive). Those used to be one of the quickest things to wear. They are (used to be, haven't changed one in several years) a bitch to replace, but since you're going to tear the hub assembly apart anyway, it may be worth doing if they're bad.

Originally Posted by Radar Chief

If you’re going to replace a bearing it would be in your best interest to replace them all.
They’ll all, presumably, have the same miles and wear so if one is gone the others won’t be far behind.

This is good advice.

[Baby Lee]

Originally Posted by Radar Chief

If you’re going to replace a bearing it would be in your best interest to replace them all.
They’ll all, presumably, have the same miles and wear so if one is gone the others won’t be far behind.

Don't know if that's always the case. By rear one's 'failed' [actually, they didn't pass inspection tolerances, no noise or clumping prior] first. The driver's front lasted over a 18 mos longer. The passenger front is in it's third year post replacing the rears, and passed another inspection last spring.

It's not an expensive proposition to replace all 4, but could prove physically wearying if attacked all at once, especially if your cheater bar isn't long enough to give you mondo torque.

[Buehler445]

Originally Posted by Baby Lee

Don't know if that's always the case. By rear one's 'failed' [actually, they didn't pass inspection tolerances, no noise or clumping prior] first. The driver's front lasted over a 18 mos longer. The passenger front is in it's third year post replacing the rears, and passed another inspection last spring.

It's not an expensive proposition to replace all 4, but could prove physically wearying if attacked all at once, especially if your cheater bar isn't long enough to give you mondo torque.

Cheaters are easy to come by.

[ToxSocks]

Originally Posted by Radar Chief

If you’re going to replace a bearing it would be in your best interest to replace them all.
They’ll all, presumably, have the same miles and wear so if one is gone the others won’t be far behind.

This. The rest are on their way. It's a cheap fix if you can do it yourself.

[El Jefe]

Originally Posted by Radar Chief

If you’re going to replace a bearing it would be in your best interest to replace them all.
They’ll all, presumably, have the same miles and wear so if one is gone the others won’t be far behind.

I personally don't agree with this. If you have the time and money to just replace all four then go for it, I personally would not.

[SAUTO]

Originally Posted by kcchiefsfanGoJC

I personally don't agree with this. If you have the time and money to just replace all four then go for it, I personally would not.

yeah i agree with you gojc

[Radar Chief]

Originally Posted by kcchiefsfanGoJC

I personally don't agree with this. If you have the time and money to just replace all four then go for it, I personally would not.

Everyone’s mileage will vary, but it’s been my general experience that after I replace/repack bearings on one side it quiets that side down enough that I start hearing the other side.
And really, unless you’ve got a cracked seal that has allowed dirt and moisture in to foul the bearing on one side or the other, they should all have approximately the same amount of wear on them.
If you’re looking to save money then only replace what you need when you need to. Personally if I have to take my daily driver down for maintenance I’ll do it all at once just because I can’t afford to have my DD down for more time than necessary.

[Bwana]

It sounds like some of the steel belts may have cut loose in the tire itself along with an alignment issue. It could also be a CV joint, or bearing issue.