Humming Noise...Some Info Please?!?!

[Frank20]

My 2003 camry just started making a sort of humming noise coming from the front of the car but it only starts when you reach about 55mph. Once cruising at highway speeds for a while it seems to drone away. I haven't been able to find out exactly where it's coming from, it kind of sounds like near the left tire. I was checking to see if anyone here might have some advice or have had the same problem and knows what it is before I take it to the dealership. Thanks in advance!

[TRD VVTi]

I'd put the car on jackstands and run it to see if you can duplicate the noise. That way you can isolate where it's coming from and investigate that area. If you can duplicate the noise in that manner but can't isolate where it's coming from, I'd recommend picking up a stethoscope.

[Frank20]

^ Appreciate the advice TRD. But it's way to cold out right now to be doing that lol. Thanks though.

[kasimmmmm]

do you have hubcentrics by the way?

[Frank20]

^ No, i don't have hubcentrics.

At first I thought my bearing might need replacing but that would make more or a grinding noise like metal on metal. The noise i'm getting I can only describe as a humming noise. Kind of like the sound of meaty tires with big tread but more subtle.

[TRD VVTi]

I've yet to see TRD or factory wheels that need hubcentrics.

Are the tires cupped or chopped? That can create a wheel bearing type noise.

I've seen it many times where tires that spent too much time on the rear of the vehicle get cupped/chopped and when they are finally rotated to the front they create noise due to the irregular threadwear.

[Frank20]

Originally Posted by TRD VVTi

I've yet to see TRD or factory wheels that need hubcentrics.

Are the tires cupped or chopped? That can create a wheel bearing type noise.

I've seen it many times where tires that spent too much time on the rear of the vehicle get cupped/chopped and when they are finally rotated to the front they create noise due to the irregular threadwear.

Well right now I have my winter wheels on which are not my TRD ones that I have on in the summer. These are aftermarket winter wheels and they are not hubcentric. My summer ones are though.

But they were fine all last season and so far this season. The tires are new, just got them in November, so i'm pretty sure that the tires are not the problem. I don't know what it could be. I guess I have to take it to the shop.

[TRD VVTi]

Originally Posted by Frank20

Well right now I have my winter wheels on which are not my TRD ones that I have on in the summer. These are aftermarket winter wheels and they are not hubcentric. My summer ones are though.

But they were fine all last season and so far this season. The tires are new, just got them in November, so i'm pretty sure that the tires are not the problem. I don't know what it could be. I guess I have to take it to the shop.

Not having hubcentric rings doesn't cause noise anyways, but will cause vibration. I thought that you ran Toyota wheels in the winter and the TRD's in the summer.

Are you running designated snow tires? If so, they can wear irregularly very quickly, resulting in excessive noise. I'd look at them very closely, even if they are fairly new. How many miles do you have on them? How often do you rotate?

[Frank20]

Originally Posted by TRD VVTi

Not having hubcentric rings doesn't cause noise anyways, but will cause vibration. I thought that you ran Toyota wheels in the winter and the TRD's in the summer.

Are you running designated snow tires? If so, they can wear irregularly very quickly, resulting in excessive noise. I'd look at them very closely, even if they are fairly new. How many miles do you have on them? How often do you rotate?

No they are Michelin Pilot Exalto All Seasons. Probably about 15,000 miles on them and rotated them once.

[TRD VVTi]

Originally Posted by Frank20

No they are Michelin Pilot Exalto All Seasons. Probably about 15,000 miles on them and rotated them once.

I'd look at the tires first. They should be going on their third rotation.

[DressUpYourPet]

Rotate the tires again and see if the noise changes. If not, i'd suspect the cv drive axles, sometimes they can be worn but not worn OUT and make this noise.