Tires or bearings are making a weird noise. HELP!!

[SunsetOrange98Camaro]

My 98 camaro just started doing this a few weeks ago and I think its getting worse. When Im riding the wheels or tires or something is making a weird noise. Its really hard to explain it by typing but its kind of like a "wump wump wump wump wump" sound. (say that real fast and thats kind of what it is). It almost sounds like the tire doesnt have enough air in it but I know it does. Someone told me it might be my bearings but I wouldnt think I would be having bearing problems this soon. Its only got 60,000 miles on it. Im pretty sure its not anything to do with the brakes. I am definately taking it to a mechanic as soon as I get the chance but that might be a few days. Can anyone help me out?? Thanks.

[Seppo Kaitainen]

What band and model of tires do you have? It does sound like a bearing. I have the same problem with only 41k miles. It is not a real big problem, just more of an annoyance.

From yrs of racing rc cars I can tell you the quality of bearings vary a lot. You may buy and replace that bearing only to get one that is only slightly quieter.

[North Cali Autocrosser]

Have you locked up the tires any? They could have a flat spot or two from it. My old set of tires got really bad like that, a lot of e-brake turns. :D [img]graemlins/burnout.gif[/img]

[fbody4life]

I had the same problem and the first time it was the bearings. I replaced them and a few months later I heard a similar sound. I was like what the f**k I just replaced the bearings. After doing some examing around the car, I found a bolt in my front tire. It wasn't letting any air out but it would scrape the ground and sound like a bearing.

[SunsetOrange98Camaro]

Thanks for the help guys! I was riding around again tonight and I think I narrowed it down to the rear tire on the passenger side. This whole time I was thinking it was the front tire. Im not positive though. Anyway, assuming its a bearing, did you guys replace them yourself or did you get a mechanic to do it?? I would rather save the money and do it myself if possible.

Also, I havent done any burns outs or races in this car. I have actually been babying it so Im pretty sure its not a flate spot in the tire. Thanks again.

[Jason McCallister]

You cannot replace the front bearings on these cars. You'll have to replace the whole hub assembly. It's a sealed unit due to the ABS sensor.

If you suspect it's the front bearings, simply jack up the front of the car. Grab the top and the bottom of the tire and try this. Push the top of the tire away from you while pulling the bottom of the tire towards you. Then push the bottom of the tire away from you while pulling the top of the tire towards you. Do this several times. If there's any play in the wheel, then your bearings are shot.

If your bearings are shot, they need to be replaced immediatly! If not, they could easily lock up causing your front wheel to lock up! :eek: :(

[triad]

My other car is a Lifted Blazer and my front left bearing is shot. I had a guy tell me that if I didnt replace it soon my wheel would lock up and pass me on the freeway...

So I bought a Camaro.