Friction noise from rear wheel

[SR5_4WD]

My passenger side wheel makes some type of friction noise when going down the road.
What could this be? It's not a major friction, but something needs grease by the sounds of it.

[karazy]

First check the splash guard on the inside of the wheel. If ok, check the brakes to see if they are alright. Before you take the tire off to check the brakes, check the bearing.

[Raddman]

Originally Posted by SR5_4WD

My passenger side wheel makes some type of friction noise when going down the road.
What could this be? It's not a major friction, but something needs grease by the sounds of it.

Mine does the same thing at about 35-50 mph drives me nuts but I think mine sounds like the tire threads(only 3K on the tires)..I'm going to have my tires looked at by the place I bought them from if their OK then its the next step in the brakes and bearings check...I have the split seats in back and had one down carrying some wood the other day and it was really bad was coming from the drivers side..I'll keep you posted...good luck...Radd..

[SR5_4WD]

really, oh so it could even be the tires??? My winter tires are honestly 10 years old no joking. They have a canadian tire logo on the sidewall!! Perhaps I will put my summer ones on before I start screwing with brakes etc. Thanks everyone

PS how do you check the bearing, and what should I look for?

[Raddman]

PS how do you check the bearing, and what should I look for?

I don't know ether but when I get it checked I will let you know ...Maybe could get a repair book that had a blow up of the rear...My sound is almost like road noise a intermittent humming sound not scraping like a brake or something rubbing ...I had uneven wear in my front tire last year that made that same pattern sound that's why I think its my tires...lol..might be ones thats under inflated I'll have to check it out ...Radd

[03mooncorolla]

As for checking the rear bearings

Jack up the vehicle, place an axle stand under for safety and grab the top and bottom of the tire, push in on one end and pull out on the other checking the amount of play found.
A little may be ok depending the spec's allowed for you year and model, if you do find movement compare it with the other side for an equal amount.

Also spin the wheel while you have it up and listen if it sounds rough or different from all others then that's the wheel you are having problems with.

As for checking the condition of the bearing you could pull off the bearing cap and check the grease if it looks all dried up it's time to get it cleaned and checked.(for Rear drum breaks)

Am I correct in thinking you have a 4 wheel drive, if so then the cap won't be there as you may have rear disks? I would say if your going into this further you'll need to get a manual.

My answer is a general one, and I'm not sure of the specifics of your vehicle. But start with the small stuff first

Hope this helps at least

[SR5_4WD]

Thanks. its 4wd but I do have drums in the rear.