Can't figure out front end noise..

[llllcdllll]

about one month ago, I replaced the front driver wheelbearing with a timkin, after having a loud humming noise. After replacement, the humming noise is still there but not as loud. It gets loud when turning to the right. I just changed my rotors and pads and didn't notice any play. Any ideas?

I've also been hearing a light clunking noise from the front driver area while going over small bumps. When I did the brake job, I noticed the sway bar link bushing were pretty bad so I replaced the whole end link with a duralast from autozone. I'm still hearing the clunking noise. I cant imangine the problem being the shocks, as I replaced both with Monroe quick struts a couple months ago. My only guess now is sway bar bushing or ball joint?

Also i've been hearing a faint popping noise coming from the front driver area(popopop...pop..popop), as im coming to a stop or at a slow coast. It immediately goes away once I give it some gas. Any ideas?

I've had my 03 sle for 8 years now and I'm just frustrated with all the front end problems. I love the car and don't want to give up on her, but this is getting ridiculous. I drive like a gpa. When the car was under warranty, I took it in over 10 times in 4 years for some front end problem. Anyone else have these issues? Thanks for your times guys. Sorry for the long post.

[llllcdllll]

From a previous post, I also checked the dust shield and it is not rubbing against anything.

[myfirstbonnie]

Did you replace the strut mounts also? Also check the bushings that hold the sway bar to the subframe.

[llllcdllll]

Yes, I replaced the whole strut assembly. I will check the swaybar bushing. I hope it's that and not the ball joint. thank you.

[cprince]

The remaining humming is likely the other side's bearing. Not a big deal. Raise the vehicle, and spin the wheel like Bob Barker has money for you, and you will figure out if that is the problem. There is nothing written anywhere that precludes a brand new bearing from being bad out of the box BTW... Happens all the time.

Popping noise for me makes me think about the table bushing. Costs about $3 for the bushing but $75 to get it pressed in. It has happened to me more times than I care to count where I get it pressed, and it pops out within a week.

I wonder if is isn't a bad CV though. Most shops will take your car out for 3 minutes and tell you.

None of these things are that dramatic.

Craig

[myfirstbonnie]

There are 4 pieces to a strut, The strut, the coil spring, the mount and the bearing. The bearing usually comes with a mount. The mount is the part attached to the car and the top of the strut attaches to it.

Did you replace the mounts?

https://www.google.com/webhp?source=sea ... 66&bih=643

[llllcdllll]

Yes, I replaced the whole strut assembly ( strut, coil, mount.) I'll check the other bearing but it's humming on the driver side. what'sa table bushing? I've never heard of that..

[llllcdllll]

I just noticed i mixed up the torque specs on the sway bar link nut. I tighten to 35ft lbs and its suppose to be 13ft lbs. Is this a problem?

[llllcdllll]

Okay, so I warranty swapped for another Timken hub (513179) I just installed today and STILL a humming or wo wo wo wo sound when driving. It gets louder when I turn right. It's obviously not the bearing. Everything looks tight so I have no idea now. Anybody?? before I take it into the shop and get raped. Thanks guys.

[Mechtech]

Make sure you torque the c/v axle nut to spec. I see "professionals" run them down with a impact gun at work. Last one I did had a spec off 107 ft/lb only 7 ft/lb more than the lug nuts.

Is the tire tread chopped? Tire noise can sound like a bearing sometimes.

[PLAGUE PHANTOM]

Have your control arm bushings looked at...it sounds like they are going bad.

[redzmonte]

did you replace the right bearing or Left? the sounds are opposite from the turn.. Turn right makes noise, most likely left bearing.. Turn left and noise will be most likely from right bearing. is the Woo Woo Woo humming change with the cars speed? if so its definatly a rotational noise like a wheel bearing or a tire..

S

[llllcdllll]

thanks for your responses.
I torqued the nut to 118 ft/lbs myself.
I thought it could of been a tire issue, so I got a tire rotation and balance and the sound is still there. Tread is good on all tires.
I can't imagine it being the bearing after I installed two new ones.
Control arm bushing? Maybe

Could it have anything to do with a bad axle or something with the cv joints?

[cprince]

Walks like a duck...

The opposite bearing. I went through 3 of them in a month. They were cheap-os... but I had a lifetime warranty and no issue changing them myself. Torque to spec.

Do not discount the likelihood this is the bearing yet again.

It might also be a rear one. Sound travels funny...

Craig

[Trinity]

Trans... nobody ever says this, but I think the dif or trans issue.I have the same issue. I replaced everything on both sides and it's still there. I decided to drive it until it does something where I know what the issue is.