Honda Accord EX 2007
4 cylinder automatic
Miles : 36000
Tires : Read below

I just bought a used 07 Accord 4 cylinder EX with 36000 miles on it. When I bought it, there was this big, loud humming noise from the rear right side. It was more than a hum, more like a growl. Im not an expert but I thought that could be wheel bearings. No pulsations though, and the noise didnt change when changing lanes or maneuvering. The noise increases with the speed of the vehicle, and peaks at around 45 mph, where the radio at 30% volume drowns it.

AFAIK, the car had OEM tires (They are Michelins...not sure if original) and the front ones were worn out completely. Dealer told the noise is due to front tires. Both fromt tires were replaced and I also asked the dealer to rotate wheels (front wheels to back and vice-versa). Now the noise seems to be coming from the front right.

Q1 ) newbie question - Am I correct in understanding that the wheel bearings are connected to the axles, and hence are not rotated? Then they should be ok
Q2) What could be the source of the noise? I only have a 2001 civic coupe to compare it to, and the civic is silent as a whisper compared to the noise that comes from (what I can tell) the front right side of the car.

 

The wheel bearing doesn't get rotated when you rotate tires.

So the noise moved from the rear passenger to the front passenger side of the car? Is the tire that is making noise the old tire or a new one?

 

It is the older tire (Michelin). But it has got some tread left on it compared to the tires which I replaced (which were flat)

 

If you reread PAhonda post you should be able to determine where your noise is coming from after considering your answer.

 

Yes. Let me rephrase the question since I feel my own questions are confusing - Apart from the tire, is there any other component of the wheel assembly which can create the noise that I described, and which gets rotated?

 

Nope. Bearings, axles, shocks, bushings, all that stuff stays at one corner of the car. Only the tire & the wheel get moved. If the wheel were bent or out-of-balance, that would be more of a wobbling, shaking thing - not growling.

 

My point was that if the noise moved when the tire moved, then either the tire or the rim are your problem.

 

The dealer has suggested that I bring in the car.....he will switch out the front two wheels with another set of wheels he has (presumably from an accord that is on his lot), and see if the noise goes away......