Wheel RPM Noise Help

coggs · Post by **coggs** » 20 Sep 2005, 06:42

My 2001 XC70 rather suddenly developed a noise which appears to be coming from the right rear wheel well area. It's easy to describe. Imagine you put the knobbiest snow tire in the world on that one wheel. The loud hum is directly related to wheel RPM. It starts to manifest itself around 28-32 MPH and increases in volume and pitch as the cars speed increases. Putting the transmission in neutral at highway speed does nothing to decrease the sound, hence rulling out engine, ehaust or transmission. The really odd thing is that if I open the window I don't hear the sound from outside the car. The only time the sound deminishes is when I take a right hand turn at speed. The Goodyear tires have on the car were very quiet until this sound suddenly appeared. They have only 20K miles on them and show no unusual wear and are free of any forign objects that would cause the sound. The car track fine under power and breaking. I have a service appointment in a two days and wondered if any of you had any thoughts.

White850Turbo · Post by **White850Turbo** » 20 Sep 2005, 06:44

Check your CV boots? Swaybar links? Tie rod ends?

Jot · Post by **Jot** » 20 Sep 2005, 19:24

Try swaping the tires and see if the sound moves to the front.

dp · Post by dp » 25 Sep 2005, 21:17

Just another idea....

Cossack · Post by **Cossack** » 06 Oct 2005, 09:32

This has the trademark of a wheel bearing. Volvospeed describes the symptoms for it. If it gets weaker when turning right, your right bearing needs replacement. It's an easy fix to do yourself with Volvospeed's instructions, try fcpgroton.com or Eeuroparts.com for the part. It would save you a lot of money compared to having a mechanic do it for you.

Good luck!!