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Howling noise while driving?

Tiny
JASON FESSENDEN
  • MEMBER
  • 2007 CHEVROLET COBALT
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 100,000 MILES
This evening, my aunt called me telling me her car is making a howling sound. I went to check it out and can see that when driving, it has a consistent howl coming from the front of the car. Does not change sound when increasing or decreasing speed or when turning left or right. If I take my foot off the gas, I can hear it better. I did jack up the car to check the "normal suspension stuff. After trying to shake the tires left right up and down, they are pretty tight. Not quite sure what to make up it. I was thinking bearings but nothing seems to be pointing in that direction. Any ideas on what it could be and how I could check that?
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Friday, April 28th, 2023 AT 6:27 PM

7 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,885 POSTS
Hi,

Do you only hear it when moving? Have you checked things under the hood to make sure nothing is loose or allowing a vacuum leak? (Sorry, I'm not sure what it actually sounds like).

Also, you indicated that it doesn't appear to be a bearing issue. Was there no change when turning?

If it is loud enough, could you record and upload it for me to hear?

Let me know.

Joe
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Saturday, April 29th, 2023 AT 12:44 AM
Tiny
JASON FESSENDEN
  • MEMBER
  • 31 POSTS
It only makes noise while in motion. Sound can be heard after going about 25ish miles an hour or above but does not get louder from speed. I opened the hood. Although I did not physically check pullies or vacuum leaks, everything sound good when I put it in park and press down the accelerator.
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Saturday, April 29th, 2023 AT 2:15 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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Hi,

This is a tough one without hearing it. If it isn't present when stopped and is when you reach a certain speed, my first thoughts are a wheel bearing. However, you mentioned there is no change in pitch when you turn left and right.

Would you be able to record the sound and upload it for me to hear? I need to make a determination if it sounds like a bearing or something different.

As far as the wheel bearings are concerned, they can fail and not show play when checked.

Let me know.

Joe
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Saturday, April 29th, 2023 AT 7:04 PM
Tiny
JASON FESSENDEN
  • MEMBER
  • 31 POSTS
When I tried to record, I could not catch the sound. How could I check the bearings if there is no play?
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Saturday, April 29th, 2023 AT 7:09 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,885 POSTS
Hi,

Basically, you already checked. The only other thing is if there is play in and out on the wheel.

I hope you understand that it's difficult not hearing it. That is the way I identify it. Then, most times, not always, you can get the sound to change pitch when making turns. Again, it sounds like you already tried.

Let me know if you have questions.

Joe
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Saturday, April 29th, 2023 AT 7:38 PM
Tiny
JASON FESSENDEN
  • MEMBER
  • 31 POSTS
So, here is the new rundown: She let me bring it home where all my stuff is at. It definitely gets louder as I drive. I did try to record and will try to add those sounds in a bit. I ended up jacking up the front of the car, and removing the tires, calipers, and brackets. Figured I would spin the hub with nothing on it. I did notice the caliper brackets were kind of stuck. I know that can be the issue. I hear nothing while I have someone with the pedal down while all brake parts are off, but I noticed that when you take your foot off the gas after a short time the wheels stop spinning. I know at the very least, she will need new calipers and brackets. My concern at this time is since I have never done it like this before, is it okay, the drive wheels stop spinning after a short time with no brakes? I know a car has a natural "pull" so it automatically moves forward. Do they stop when they don't have the weight of the car to keep them moving? I only ask because I don't want to replace brake parts and find out there is still a bigger issue. I took it on the highway and the sound did get louder but sounds different on video than I hear.
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Sunday, April 30th, 2023 AT 10:29 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi,

Thanks for the update. I listened to the video, but really can't tell what I am hearing.

As far as the question, if you had the brakes removed and the wheels off the ground, I would have thought it would the wheel would slow down but still continue to turn slowly. Is that what you are asking?

As far as the brakes are concerned, I question if they would cause a howling sound. I wish I could hear it. The idea that it's a howling and changes with vehicle speed, it is more than likely a bearing issue.

Let me know.

Joe
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Sunday, April 30th, 2023 AT 6:19 PM

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