Howling noise when driving?

Tiny
FOSTER59
  • MEMBER
  • 1997 CHEVROLET CAVALIER
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 120,000 MILES
Howling noise when driving. Could it be the bearing where axles engage in transmission if so, can it be fixed?
Thursday, June 9th, 2011 AT 2:35 PM

1 Reply

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,885 POSTS
Hi,

If the noise is similar to a howling that chances with speed, chances are it is a wheel bearing. When driving, pay attention to see if the sound changes pitch or intensity when making turns. If it does, it's most likely a wheel bearing.

When you turn, the vehicle's weight is distributed differently. For example, if you turn left, more weight is placed on the right wheel bearing. If it gets louder when turning left, the right wheel bearing is the first suspect. If the sound quiets when turning left, the left front wheel bearing is the first suspect.

If you feel the bearing is the issue based on the above info, here is a link to get you started. It describes in general how a hub/wheel bearing is replaced. Use this to help guide you through the procedure.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-replace-a-cv-axle-bearing

If you look at the two pics below, they are the directions specific to your vehicle.

I hope this helps. Let me know if you have other questions.

Take care,

Joe

See pics below.
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Sunday, September 5th, 2021 AT 9:12 PM

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