Excessive noise coming from tires/wheels.

2002 FORD EXPLORER
143,000 MILES
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JTRAVIS271
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  • 1 POST
I've had it aligned and tire wear is normal. sounds like an airplane. Maybe wheel bearings worn out?
Mar 20, 2012 at 12:33 AM
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DJCL
  • CAR REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
  • 767 POSTS
Are the tires cupping? Run your hand over
Them . Do thay feel choppy . If yes you might need shocks or wheel balance
Mar 20, 2012 at 12:56 AM
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CARADIODOC
  • CAR REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
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An "airplane engine" is exactly how I describe noisy wheel bearings. If the noise changes when you steer to one side, such as when changing lanes at highway speed, it's definitely a wheel bearing. If the noise doesn't change, it still can be a wheel bearing.

The best way I've found to identify which bearing is noisy is to run the vehicle on a hoist and listen next to each one with a stethoscope.
Mar 20, 2012 at 12:59 AM