New Here, Noise tire, bearing? - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

gwt500 · 10-09-2010, 03:20 AM

Hi Got this noise which I can't figure out. Its a thumping noise coming from one of the wheels and increases/decreases depending on vehicle speed. It's a 06 Solara Conv with the V6. Sounds to me like a tire. But I can't find anything wrong with any of them. The sound happens once per tire revolution. I think its coming from the rear? I brought it to my Tire place and he said the rear tires are uni-directional and on the wrong sides of the car. He reversed them, L on R side and R on left side (rear). He said the noise might be from uneven tire wear due to them not rotating in the right direction. The tires look fine with good tread and you can't see any significant wear on any of them. No bumps or anything on the tires. The noise didn't change when he reversed them. I have moved the tires Rear to Front hoping I'd get a vibration in the steering which would identify which tire is responsible. BUT, no vibration and noise hasen't changed. It doesn't sound like a wheel bearing as its a thump every time the wheel goes around. I can't see that a tire is hitting anything. Any suggestions???

kevdude · 10-15-2010, 02:28 AM

You could jack each wheel individually and rotate by hand to see if the noise is still there. Seems like I had a problem awhile back with tire thumping, but it was related to the wear and balance of the tires. Let us know if you find anything!

gwt500 · 10-15-2010, 01:21 PM

But I tried this already with all 4 tires and can't hear/fear a thing. You are right it sounds like a tire.

***Zembonez*** · 10-15-2010, 01:56 PM

Sounds like you have eliminated the tires as a cause if the sound remains on the same corner unchanged when you swap places with them...

I'd have to go with a wheel bearing making the noise. As odd as it sounds. You'd think there would be some movement or slack in the bearing if it's going bad but I guess it could be just dry.

gwt500 · 10-17-2010, 09:55 AM

Thanks Zem I think you are right. Having the toyota dealership look at it Tuesday, $80 an hour. I really haven't pinnned down the wheel that the sound is coming from. If I could I would replace the rear bearing myself. The front looks more difficult and would leave that to a good mechanic. One thing my wife and I agree on though- the noise is louder in a right hand turn (meaning a left side bearing). But she says rear and I think its front.

kevdude · 10-25-2010, 01:47 AM

Any good news? Dealer find anything (besides your wallet?

)

gwt500 · 10-26-2010, 12:27 PM

Hey Kev
Thanks for asking. Dealer located the wheel the noise was coming from and that it was the bearing. Drivers side rear $50. Purchased a hub assembly from A1 I think, free shipping, $139. Got a subscription to AllData for the Solara, $29 I think. Total $218. Put it in- SUCCESS

. Wasn't as easy as I'd hoped because the hub was stuck to the backing plate (corrosion). Had to remove the E-brake shoes etc in order to hit the back of the plate which holds the wheel studs. It was not like this where the hub/bearing assembly just pops off

You Tube

Also my hub couldn't be taken apart to replace the bearing like his. But otherwise its the same procedure. Took me a whole day fighting rain showers to do the job, unlike him. I'm only a 1/2 ass mechanic. While he is obviously a complete ass. Today is 70 deg here in MA. Probably the last day my wife an I can take a drive with the top down. Will be taking it off the road soon for the winter. Where you from?

Greg

kevdude · 10-27-2010, 12:57 AM

Great job! Glad to hear it worked out for you. It's never as easy as they show on YouTube, but I don't have any air tools, either. I think these forums are great, because we can share ideas and solutions. I live in Jacksonville NC, right on the coast. My Solara hasn't had any major malfunctions yet, but I'm waiting! How many miles do you have on yours?