Drivetrain - Buzzing Noise During Normal Driving/Curves
RETAILER TECHNICAL JOURNAL 14669FRONT WHEEL HUB AND DRIVE SHAFT, BEARING NOISE
Date 07-16-2009
Reference VIDA, VSTG
Note!
If using a printed copy of this Retailer Technical Journal, first check for the latest online version.
AFFECTED VEHICLES
DESCRIPTION:
At times, a bearing (buzzing) noise can be heard from the front of the vehicle during normal driving. The noise will get higher in pitch as vehicle speed increases. Sometimes the noise can be heard when the vehicle is rounding a curve.
Analyses of most of the returned front wheel bearings (hubs) have proven that no noise existed in the hubs. This document should be used as an aid in diagnosing bearing noise.
The noise could be caused by:
1. worn tires, or tires with a feathering problem due to incorrect toe-in.
2. bearing noise from the drive shaft, right side.
3. a worn or damaged front wheel hub.
4. the brake dust shield in contact with the brake disc.
Note!
Some customers may notice a noise from the front end if the front tires have been rotated from the rear and are unevenly worn.
TOOLS
SERVICE:
First, carry out basic analysis to understand where the noise is coming from. If possible, use the Chassis Ears toolkit.
Check if the brake dust shield is contacting the brake disc.
If the noise is coming from the right front side of the vehicle, lift the vehicle on a hoist. Then turn the wheel and check if the noise is coming from the right front drive shaft bearing or from the wheel bearing (hub). If the Chassis Ears toolkit is not available, hold a screwdriver against the bearing and listen through the screwdriver.
If the noise is coming from the right front drive shaft bearing, replace the right front drive shaft according to VIDA:
INFORMATION
REPAIR
Removal, replacement, and installation
Power transmission
Rear axle, drive shafts
Drive shaft, constant velocity joint, drive shaft gear
Drive shaft, right
If the noise is coming from the wheel bearing (hub), replace the hub according to VIDA:
INFORMATION
REPAIR
Removal, replacement, and installation
Springs and wheels
Wheels, tires, hubs
Hub and bearing
Wheel bearings and wheel hubs, front
Note!
Replace the wheel hub only on the side which is confirmed to be noisy.
Note!
If the noise is coming from the wheel bearing (hub) AND there are any of these Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) set in the Brake Control Module (BCM) [0011, 0012, 0021, 0022], refer to RTJ 10438 before replacing the hub.
If the noise is NOT present when the vehicle is on the hoist while turning the wheel:
- Check tires for uneven wear and check tread depth. If unevenly worn, check for worn suspension components and check front toe-in.
- Replace worn out tires.
- If tires are still good, try to swap tires left/right to hear if the noise follows the tire.
- If the noise follows the tire, replace the tire. Check if the warranty from tire manufacturer can be used.
If the Chassis Ear Toolkit is available, follow the procedure below in order to diagnose the noise.
1. Note! Some variation in the illustrations may occur, but the essential information is always correct
2. Information
Below are some examples of installing transmitters to the chassis with the mountings included in the kit.
Installation
3. Positioning transmitter to be able to detect noise from wheel bearings.
Note the transmitter number.
Note!
It is extremely important that transmitters are installed on both sides of the vehicle. This is to prevent mixing up the left and right hand sides.
4. Positioning transmitter to be able to detect noise from drive shaft support bearings. Note the transmitter number.
5. Test driving
Check that the transmitters are on. Drive the vehicle at varying speeds. Shift between the different transmitters (1-4) to find the faulty bearing.
WARRANTY CLAIM INFORMATION