Mystery Sound

[Mobius999]

Forgive me if others have asked about this problem. I did a search of TN but did not find anything matching my problem.

I drive a 2004 Camry with 4cyl engine and A/T. Recently, it began making a noise, sounds like a tire rubbing against plastic. Definitely speed related, not engine. It is NOT any of the tires. Braking, accelerating, turning has no appreciable effect on the sound which seems to be coming from the front of the car. Over the last two weeks, the sound has grown louder. It is louder in the afternoons than in the morning and gets louder the longer I drive. I've checked the CV boots and brakes but they appear to be fine. Rotors appear fine too.

I can't figure out the source of the noise. Suggestions?
Thanks

[gdanaher]

The next step is to put the front end on jack stands, secure the car so it doesn't fall off, start it up, let things spin, trying to locate the sound. You need a buddy for this. Do not get under the car if it is running. A stethoscope would be helpful.

[LoudCamry]

does it sound like a tick tick or somthing is knocking. do you hear it around the intake area?

[Mobius999]

Originally Posted by LoudCamry

does it sound like a tick tick or somthing is knocking. do you hear it around the intake area?

No, it is more a rubbing/grating type sound. I am familiar with the sound that a bad CV joint makes and this is not it. Also, at 60 mph, when I put the transmission in neutral and the engine goes to idle speed, the noise does not change. From that, I conclude it is not engine related.

I like the idea of a stethoscope and the jack stands. Tomorrow, I'll give that a try.

One person where I work suggested a bad speedometer cable. But does the 2004 Camry even have one?

Thanks for the suggestions. I'll post my results, once I've done the check.

[Mobius999]

Okay, I tried the stethoscope and jack stands. There did not seem to be as much noise when I put the car on jack stands. Also, I could not seem to find it with the stethoscope. It is NOT coming from anything I could get to under the hood. Of course, I could not reach anything in the wheel wells due to the spinning tires.

Could this be a bad wheel bearing? What reputation does Camrys have with front wheel bearings?

Thanks in advance.