Hello, thanks for any help, in advance . I on a 2006 xB automatic factory stock purchased used . It has 100,000 on her. I have been hearing this loud hummm from the right front wheel.
I have changed the brakes rotate tires removed Wheeler covers. Nothing looks loose underneath no joint seals leaked cracked. The sound it makes is sounds like driving a truck with monster tires on the free way.

Any help most appreciated

 

Jack up the front wheels and spin them by hand and feel they turn smoothly then start up the engine and spin them in gear. Maybe a bad CV joint or out of balance or bent axle.

 

I would say bad wheel bearing. i had to replace one at about 125,000. Is it louder when you turn the wheel at higher speeds?

 

Is it a constant hum, or is it a hum that sounds like it matches to the revolutions of the tire? If it is the latter, it is a bad wheel bearing. Sounds similar to this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4sIHt9JTkJc&t=1m34s (just not as clanky sounding)

 

Yeah jack it up by the lower arm and spin it with the motor running in gear see if it still makes noise. sometimes a CV joint will make less noise if you put it in neutral while you're moving or decelerate but a wheel bearing will make noise constantly as long as it has weight on the wheels but it might make less if it's up in the air jacked up. Either one should be repaired or risk serious damage if it fails.

 

It could also just be your tires, certain brands can make a noise.

 

Not too long go I was hearing a loud humming noise in the front passenger side wheel. It turned out to be my bearing. I replaced both front wheel bearings and also replaced the struts too. If you find out that it is your bearing that need replacing and you decide to replace them yourself. I can post a list of the tools that I used. The wheel bearing that I replaced first took me 6hrs because I did not have all the tools. The second took me 2hrs. Good luck.

 

Wow I didn't think it was possible to replace the front wheel bearings without some bigger tools! Good to know! I always worry when mechanics start banging on wheel areas that are connected to transmissions.

 

It is easy when you have the correct tools.