prism has developed a "road noise" at highway speed?

1998 CHEVROLET PRIZM

150,000 MILES • 4 CYL • FWD • AUTOMATIC

TOM COUCH

MEMBER
2 POSTS

my 1998 prism has developed a "road noise" at highway speed. not tire noise same tires rotated and balanced. could this loud constant noise be from drive train or bearings ? where do i start to troubleshoot?

Jun 5, 2010 at 5:40 PM

SQM

✓ASE Certified Mechanic
6,383 POSTS

Hello,

If the noise intensity increases with the speed, then it could be related to a bad wheel bearing.
It would be helpful if you could upload a video.

Can you tell if the noise is coming from one side or the other?

When the wheel bearing goes bad, it will make constant noise as you drive. And as the speed increases so does the noise.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/bearing-hub-replacement

Does the noise increase or changes when you make a turn? If the CV axle is faulty, you will get clicking noise when turning.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/clicking-sound

I have attached diagrams for your reference.

Please let me know if you have any questions.
Thank you.

Images (Click to enlarge)

Professional Diagram for 2CarPros Members
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Dec 18, 2021 at 6:41 PM