Humming Noise

**Whatarush** · 06-18-2010, 08:43 PM

There is a strange humming noise while driving that I cannot pin point as to where it is exactly coming from. The pitch changes depending on the speed I am driving so I am thinking it is the hub assembly but not sure which one. Is the 04-06 GTO's known for this and are they easy to replace? Does anyone have directions on how to change one out? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks

**TmaxicanA** · 06-19-2010, 08:32 AM

are you sure it is not coming from the rear of the vehicle?
the GTO's have noisey rear ends

**Whatarush** · 06-19-2010, 08:45 AM

It appears to me it is coming from the right front. It is a noise I am pretty sure was not there before. I have changed the differential fluid thinking that maybe that needed to be changed just in case but that did not seem to make any difference.

**buiick** · 06-19-2010, 08:48 AM

make sure to ck. your alternator!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

**TmaxicanA** · 06-19-2010, 09:14 AM

a wheel bearing wont make a humming noise. more like a grinding or growling type noise. and if it was the rear end...there pretty much stuck with it. thats a normal operation

**cammed goat** · 06-19-2010, 01:47 PM

Could be a wheel bearing. Or you might have a case of strut rub. Also, the GTO rear can hum as well...mine is currently doing that.

**MNGTO** · 06-20-2010, 05:26 AM

Does the noise change pitch when you turn to the left or right?

**Whatarush** · 06-20-2010, 09:23 PM

Here is a bit more info on the issue. The humming noise is at its worst at 35-40 mph and even though it fades when turning the steering wheel it does not completely go away. The right front which is where I think it is coming from has a new tire on it (hit a curb with the previous one). Upon inspection of the tire I noticed that there are some deep cracks on the outside part of the tire almost by the side wall but still in the tread area. I went a step further and let some air out of that tire (about 7 lbs) and noticed that the sound seemed to be reduced. So at this point I think it is the tire. What do you think?

**cammed goat** · 06-21-2010, 05:28 AM

Sounds like a defective/old tire that is dryrotted. Look at the DOT number on the sidewall. If you can get a pic, post up. I deal with tires on a daily basis. There is a law being put into effect that if a tire is over 5 years old, the tire needs to be replaced immediately...yah, tires have a shelf life.

Just a heads up.

**cammed goat** · 06-21-2010, 05:29 AM

Oh...another thing I have noticed, Armor All tends to dry tires out as well.

**MNGTO** · 06-21-2010, 02:28 PM

I agree with the tire being the issue. Like cammed goat said, check that DOT number. If you recently had it put on I would go back to them.

**Whatarush** · 06-21-2010, 02:48 PM

The picture is not coming up that well but the DOT # is PJ8R 23KR. The tire is a Douglas Performance GTD-H 245/45/17.

**cammed goat** · 06-21-2010, 03:14 PM

Ummm...you put an H rated tire on a car with W rated tires?

**Whatarush** · 06-21-2010, 04:00 PM

Ya ya I know, that is what the tire place said was compatible with the car. I found the rating thing out after the fact.

**cammed goat** · 06-21-2010, 04:23 PM

Actually H is compatible with W, but there will be noise as, if I remember correctly, H is a harder compound. And I think you will have less grip with an H. I take it the shop didn't have W rated tires? I know the shop I used to work for subbed H's for W's...which I never agreed with.

**Whatarush** · 06-21-2010, 07:06 PM

I found out that they did have W rated but after I discovered more about the tire ratings, besides the new tire was the same tire the car already had on it and I wanted them all to match.

**cammed goat** · 06-21-2010, 07:10 PM

So all 4 are H-rated? Be careful with those.

**MNGTO** · 06-21-2010, 07:19 PM

When I bought my car they had a set of cheap H-rated tires on and the car drove like crap. There is a big difference in handling between H and W rating.