2002 Oldsmobile Alero Humming Noise

2002 OLDSMOBILE
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JSTOCK31
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I have a 2002 Olds Alero with 80,000 miles and a V6-engine. About a month and a half ago, I had the transmission flushed, changed the fuel filter, and got new break pads and rotors. A couple weeks after I had these repairs done, I started to hear a humming noise while driving. It starts out low when I hit 15-20 miles per hour and increases in both pitch and volume the faster I drive. Also, I've noticed a dramatic decrease in my miles per gallon. Before the repairs, I was getting about 28 mpg (mostly highway driving). Now I am getting only about 20 mpg at most. I took my car in to ask about the noise and the decrease in mpg and they said I probably needed a couple new tires, so I purchsed two Yokohama tires. The noise has not stopped and I am still getting low mpg. Also, I change my oil regularly and I have not been advised to perform any other maintenance. Does anyone have any suggestions?
Feb 6, 2007 at 11:54 AM
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SERVICE WRITER
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After you drive it, go to each wheel and feel for significant heat differences among them, sounds like a brake may be dragging, regarding the fuel miliage.

The hum may be a wheel bearing going bad, does it change if you steer to the left or to the right?

If those spark plugs are original, I get those changed. But not untl the first two problems are resolved.
Feb 6, 2007 at 1:01 PM
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JSTOCK31
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Thanks for the response. I noticed a difference in the humming noise when I steer. When I turn slightly to the right (ie - changing lanes on the highway), the noise is louder and there is a slight vibration. Also, the car makes a faint high pitch noise when I turn left at higher speeds (ie - an on/off ramp on the highway).

These problems only started after I took my car into the shop to get brakes. Could it be that they messed something up?
Feb 9, 2007 at 12:03 AM
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SERVICE WRITER
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Not in my opinion...That is any correlation between the bearing and the brakes. Thank the wonderful GM engineers on tha one.


https://images.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/30961_unhappy_1.jpg

We have replaced many alero bearing assys.--get a tiken brand!


https://images.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/30961_fonzi_2.jpg

Feb 9, 2007 at 12:27 PM

Suggested Repair

After driving, compare wheel temperatures for a dragging brake that could reduce fuel economy. Because the hum changes with steering, inspect and replace the failing wheel bearing assembly, preferably with a Timken unit. Change original spark plugs only after those issues are resolved.

Conversation Summary

The owner of a 2002 Oldsmobile Alero reported a speed-related humming noise and a drop from about 28 to 20 mpg after a transmission flush, fuel-filter replacement, and brake service. New tires did not help. The noise became louder with slight vibration when steering right and produced a faint high-pitched sound when turning left at higher speed. The expert recommended checking the wheels for excess heat from a dragging brake, diagnosing a wheel bearing, and using a Timken bearing assembly; original spark plugs were suggested only afterward.

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