Loses power and humming sound coming from the back of the car

Tiny
FREDERICK II
  • MEMBER
  • 2004 NISSAN CUBE
  • 3 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 190,000 MILES
When I am driving the car starts to feel like it's dragging and there is a loud humming sound that seems to be coming from the rear of the car.
Tuesday, July 6th, 2021 AT 1:53 PM

9 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,645 POSTS
Hi,

Is there anything you can do to change the pitch of the sound? Does it seem like the noise could be the fuel pump? Are there any strange odors after driving that could indicate a brake hanging up?

Based on your description, I suspect it is related to the fuel pump. What I suggest is to check it for pressure to see if it is weak.

Here is a link showing in general how to test fuel pressure:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-fuel-system-pressure-and-regulator

Because this vehicle wasn't introduced to North America until 2009, I don't have the specifications for fuel pressure on a 2004.

If the fuel pump is weak and losing pressure, that could be the power issue you experience. Also, they can make a humming noise as well.

Let me know what you find or if you have other questions. Although I don't have the specifics, I will try my best to help.

Take care,

Joe
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Tuesday, July 6th, 2021 AT 8:07 PM
Tiny
FREDERICK II
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When I am around 60kmph I start hearing the noise and gets louder the faster I go, I'm not sure if it is coming from the fuel pump but it sounds like it's behind me on the left side and I don't smell any strange order. I will try to check the fuel pump.
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Wednesday, July 7th, 2021 AT 5:57 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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Hi,

The fuel pump is in the fuel tank, so that could be what you are hearing. If you leave off the throttle when hearing it, does the sound change at all?

Let me know.

Joe
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Wednesday, July 7th, 2021 AT 8:37 PM
Tiny
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If I stay below a certain speed I don't hard it, only when I get about 60km/h I hear it. When I release the gas it's still there but shuts down when I slow down.
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Wednesday, July 7th, 2021 AT 10:33 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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Hi,

Is it loud enough for you to record with your phone and upload for me to hear? What I'm thinking is the pump because of the power loss. However, it could be a bearing. Do you notice any change in the pitch when turning?

I'm sorry for so many questions. It's tough not being there to actually hear it. I hope you understand.

Take care and let me know.

Joe
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Thursday, July 8th, 2021 AT 7:27 PM
Tiny
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  • 5 POSTS
I will record it tomorrow, it's a little different when I sway side to side.
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Thursday, July 8th, 2021 AT 7:51 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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If you notice a change in sound/pitch, it very possibly could be a wheel hub bearing. When they start to go bad, they can make a humming sound. When you turn, the vehicle's weight is distributed differently. For example, if you turn right, more weight is pushed to the left side of the vehicle and taken off the right side.

So, if it was to get quieter when turning right, that would indicate the right bearing is the likely cause simply because there is less weight on it under those conditions. Does that make sense? LOL

Let me know if you notice a change when turning now that you are more aware. Also, a recording may help. Finally, let me know how the pitch changes (louder or quieter) when turning in a specific direction.

Take care and I'll watch for your reply.

Take care,

Joe
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Thursday, July 8th, 2021 AT 7:59 PM
Tiny
FREDERICK II
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I tried to upload but didn't accept, but noise changed when weight was taken off the left side. And it whines down when I slowed down.
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Friday, July 9th, 2021 AT 8:45 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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That sounds like a wheel bearing on the left side. If the sound is coming from the rear, it is likely the rear hub bearing.

This model wasn't offered in the US in 2004 so I have nothing in my manual. However, if you take a look through this link, it explains how a hub bearing is replaced.

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

I looked up a hub bearing for the rear of your vehicle, and these directions will certainly help. The procedure will be very similar.

Let me know if this helps.

Take care,

Joe
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Friday, July 9th, 2021 AT 9:40 PM

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