Front left side speed loud "engine like" noise

[Andrey12]

When I am going 40 m/h and faster, I hear from left front side, strong "engine like" noise. It is not engine though, because I hear how engine go lower rpm when I riding on neutral from the higher place to lower. But sound similar to engine high rpm.
It is kind of strange, because noise getting louder and louder if I drive on neutral but my car speed up (driving on neutral from higher point of the road to lower point of the road).
Also I lift my car and left front wheel not rotating as good as right front. Is it normal?
Does anyone have this problem? Or have any idea what it might be?
I have ECHO 2000, 5speed, 102k

[toyomoho]

Sounds like a wheel bearing. A few tests.

When the tire is off the ground, grab it at the 3 and 9 o'clock position then move the sides in and out to check for play. Compare against the side that does not make any noise.

Drive the car at around 45mph, move the steering slightly left and right. See if the noise gets louder or softer. If so, wheel bearing.

The tire and brake caliber can be removed, then the wheel hub rotated and check for runout. A mechanic can do this job.

If a wheel bearing it will get louder with mileage.

Just to make sure wIth the tire off see if anything is rubbing, binding such as brake parts. Look at the brake rotor for damage.

[Andrey12]

I lift car today and no play to be found. I will try to move steering slightly and see how it effect the noise.
Thanks for help, wheel bearing labor cost $200. Not cheep.

Originally Posted by toyomoho

Sounds like a wheel bearing. A few tests.

When the tire is off the ground, grab it at the 3 and 9 o'clock position then move the sides in and out to check for play. Compare against the side that does not make any noise.

Drive the car at around 45mph, move the steering slightly left and right. See if the noise gets louder or softer. If so, wheel bearing.

The tire and brake caliber can be removed, then the wheel hub rotated and check for runout. A mechanic can do this job.

If a wheel bearing it will get louder with mileage.

Just to make sure wIth the tire off see if anything is rubbing, binding such as brake parts. Look at the brake rotor for damage.

[Andrey12]

Update: Today mechanic changed wheel bearing, Wow it was a major job to press old bearing. He spent at least 2 hours just to press old one. Now after job is done I don't have "engine like noise" anymore however now I have light squeaky noise on low speed 5-15mph and wheel rotates not good. Does any one have any ideas what it can be?
Especially squeaky noise strong when I turn right, when I turn left nothing.
My mechanic told me to come back in the morning and check what can be causing squeaky noise and hard rotation. So far he has no idea.

[Andrey12]

Update: Mechanic checked the car today and found nothing he can fix. He saying it is safe to drive, but noise on the turns at low speed still exist.

[EchoHoLiK]

^^^ Andrey, this sounds like there's an issue with the power-steering unit. It can either be low power-steering fluid or the fluid needs to be renewed, or the PS servo might need to be repaired or replaced. Don't quote me on that, but that sounds like the culprit because it only happens when you turn the steering wheel.

Go back to your mechanic and let him check the PS unit out, and maybe try to get a second opinion as well. Good luck.

[Andrey12]

Thanks, actually I also notice today, when I dirive on interstate-highway with protection blocks on left side. I can hear reflecting squicky noise from my car. And I am driving stright without turnig the steering. I think I just give it a time and actually change myself brake rotor and see if it helps. However mechanic told me not to waste money on rotor. He said it is not the rotor, but my rotor kind of old.

Originally Posted by EchoHoLiK

^^^ Andrey, this sounds like there's an issue with the power-steering unit. It can either be low power-steering fluid or the fluid needs to be renewed, or the PS servo might need to be repaired or replaced. Don't quote me on that, but that sounds like the culprit because it only happens when you turn the steering wheel.

Go back to your mechanic and let him check the PS unit out, and maybe try to get a second opinion as well. Good luck.

[EchoHoLiK]

The rotor shouldn't make any noise unless you use the brakes, that is if the rotor is supposedly bad. Rather, if let's say a rotor is warped, you'd feel it more with your right foot from the brake pedal.

My opinion still stands that this should be the issue of the power-steering.

[daveart]

lift the front both wheels,have some one get in put it in drive,and reve till like 50 or so,now this is dangerous so be carefull put your hand on the strut spring,as the wheels are turning if a bearing is busted you will feel a vibration in the spring do this to both sides and replace the one that vibrates the most,(it will be a bearing or the back plate touching the disc).they are pressed in so i recomend have a tech do it but if you know how its not hard at all just when pressing it in make shureyou prees it in right or you may also warp the knuckel.

[daveart]

Originally Posted by Andrey12

Update: Mechanic checked the car today and found nothing he can fix. He saying it is safe to drive, but noise on the turns at low speed still exist.

ok ill tell you what i think did he use a press or a hammer,if its the hammer he messed up the new bearing and its a matter of time befor it gets noisy again.also when he removed the knukel he may have bent the back plate this happens to echos alot,try bending it back with a pry bar threw the rim holes,(you dont even need to remove the wheels)