2005 Honda Civic Strange Noise over 40

THECORY

MEMBER
2005 HONDA CIVIC

Noises problem
2005 Honda Civic 4 cyl Manual 42000 miles

When I drive over about 40 MPH, I notice a sound coming from the front of my car. It sounds sort of like a motorcycle is approaching (moderately loud engine like sound). The faster I go, the louder it gets. However, I don't think it's related to the engine; I actually turned off my car while coasting down a hill and the sound still was there; and increased as I picked up speed. I haven't noticed any performance changes, but the sound is definitely new. Any idea what this is?

I bought this Civic in February, and it has a warranty, but the dealer charges $70 for diagnosis if it's not a warranty covered problem, and they have a habit of telling me one thing is wrong with my car (something not warranty covered) when it' something totally different (that is warranty covered), so I try to diagnose before taking it in.

Thanks!

1 Reply

KHLOW2008

MECHANIC
41,814 POSTS

Hi thecory,

It should be something related to the wheel or driveshafts but when the engine is off, the shafts should not be giving any noise so I suspect it is the wheel bearings.

Take the car for a drive and try to take a big turn either right or left and see if the noise level increases or decreases.

If it increases with a right turn and decreases with a left turn, the left wheel bearing is worn, vice versa.

Make sure tires are good and no foreign material lodged or stuck on threads.