New tire/bearing problem?

Tiny
WAUBESA123
  • MEMBER
  • 1997 CHRYSLER INTREPID
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 133,000 MILES
Since December 2009, I've had new brakes (front and rear), a new CV boot, new front tires, and the usual (oil changes, alignment) maintenance performed on my 1997 Intrepid. About four weeks ago, my right rear tire blew out. When husband went to get a new one, he was told that the tire suffered a 'catastrophic failure.' The problem since then is an odd 'whooping' noise from the tire when first driving -- after several minutes, the sound disappears. Could this sound be indicative of a defective tire, or a bad
wheel bearing, which we suspect could be an issue? I have not noticed any grinding noises from that corner -- just the whirring/whooping sound. I've been told that it could be the new tire 'flattening out' but I'm not buying that one. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
Tuesday, May 3rd, 2011 AT 4:35 AM

1 Reply

Tiny
CARADIODOC
  • MECHANIC
  • 33,873 POSTS
Actually, flat-spotting of tires used to be a real common problem when they sat overnight. The clue is the noise goes away in a few miles. To prove it to yourself, or to prove me wrong, switch the two rear tires from side-to-side to see if the noise goes to the other side. If it does turn out to be the tire, holler back with the tire pressure listed on the sticker at the rear of the driver's door opening, and the maximum tire pressure listed in tiny numbers on the sidewall of the tire. It will be either 35 psi max. Or 44 psi max.
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Tuesday, May 3rd, 2011 AT 5:53 AM

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