Buzzing sound when turning left

[jdd]

My car (03 Mazda protege5) has slowly developed a buzzing/vibration when turning left. It only happens when making slight left turns at higher speeds (maybe 30+ mph) nothing when driving through a parking lot. I though it might be a bad tire and waited it out until I put the winter tires on last weekend. Still does it so the tires were not the problem.

I though it could be the wheel bearing but I've never had one just kinda go bad. In my other cars they have always been good or bad and when they go bad you know it. I checked for any play in the bearing when I switched tires and didn't notice any. Any ideas?

The vibration also comes from the left side. I didn't notice any other obvious problems when I switched tires. Put new rotors on it and checked the CV/tie rod boots.

 

[CheeseHelmet]

Sounds like a wheel bearing, I think I'm experiencing the same thing. I only hear it around 80-90KM/hr and it's much more pronounced when I'm cornering at those speeds.

This was just posted last week: http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/showthread.php?123786639-humming-tire-like-noise

 

[jdd]

Thanks, That sounds exactly like what I have going on. Time to get out the credit card.

 

[Stickman]

Just replaced mine. Humming 60mph noise became pronounced louder w/in 1 week Sounded like tire noise. Wan't bad enough yet to cause tire/wheel play.

$250 at dealer. Haven't been able to find a P5 knowledgeable mechanic so far.

Good luck.

 

[CheeseHelmet]

Just replaced mine. Humming 60mph noise became pronounced louder w/in 1 week Sounded like tire noise. Wan't bad enough yet to cause tire/wheel play.

$250 at dealer. Haven't been able to find a P5 knowledgeable mechanic so far.

Good luck.

I called my trusty Mazda dealer yesterday and they quoted me $410 (taxes included) to change one wheel bearing plus an alignment. I think I'm going to do it myself...

 

[Stickman]

I don't believe wheel bearing replacement would require an alignment. Mine is fine w/out, absolutely no pulling on freeway.

Apparently, the new bearing gets pressed into place. May need specific tools; don't know.

There is also a ring/bracket that should/might as well be replaced, but comes as a seperate part from dealer.

Last time I did a bearing myself was on a "67 chevy. The new bearing failed because of my instalation, & the wheel fell off a few months later, luckily while I was turning a slow corner. I'm sure you're more talented than I.

 

[kudakev615]

You have to remove the spindle to press the bearing out and the new one back in. That is why you have to do an alignment after doing a bearing. Unless you have access and the knowledge to use a press, id rec taking it to a shop. Another option is to take the whole spindle out yourself and take it to a shop to press the bearings in and out you might be able to save a few bucks.

 

[CheeseHelmet]

Yup, I'd need to buy a press and some other small tools but the total would definitely be less than $300. They might do an alignment to account for any changes in the way the bearing is seated. I didn't think it was a bad idea, it's been a while since the car was aligned...

Sorry to hear about your chevvy, I certainly hope I don't run into that problem

 

[funkytuqe]

How long do these front bearings typically last? My 03 P5 has one that needs replacing and I'm only at 133,000KM, that does not seem very good to me.

 

[CheeseHelmet]

You have to remove the spindle to press the bearing out and the new one back in. That is why you have to do an alignment after doing a bearing. Unless you have access and the knowledge to use a press, id rec taking it to a shop. Another option is to take the whole spindle out yourself and take it to a shop to press the bearings in and out you might be able to save a few bucks.

That's not a bad idea, I'll see what they charge for that. Thanks!

 

[CheeseHelmet]

How long do these front bearings typically last? My 03 P5 has one that needs replacing and I'm only at 133,000KM, that does not seem very good to me.

Not long apparently, it has something to do with the fact that they're not properly sealed so dirt from the road gets in and kills them. This howto shows how to replace the bearing and how to add a seal: http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/show...tege-Front-Wheel-Bearing-Service-LOTS-OF-PICS

 

[mechead11]

its actually not all that hard to replace a bearing. I did on in my sedan a few months ago. I didnt have a press. so, I probably did somewhat of a hack job. However, I haven't noticed any problems. In lieu of a press, I used a hammer, or a big ass vice. I used a big socket to hammer the old bearing out, and then used the old bearing to get the vice to press it in right. seemed like a fine idea to me. mind you, this was just a few months after I had reputable shop in my area do the bearings just a few months prior. the grease resembled peanut butter. I honestly thought that they just lied to me and didnt do it at all.

 

[Tbonejack]

You could of run over a small animal that only makes sounds when things get fast and fun

 

[Stickman]

As to how long they last.
WI winters: I had a left rear go at 80K.
Left front went now at 170k.

Assuming that they showed me my bearing, the grease did look very dirty, so makes sense per CH previous post that they are not sealed well.

Added note; I expected to see cylindrical roller bearings. This bearing contained ball bearings.

 

[jdd]

I changed the front drivers side bearing last night and still have the problem. I took everything off and had a shop press in the bearing for me since I don't have access to a press. There is no difference at all. The only thing I can think of is that the shop never put the new bearing in. They were busy and said they would get to it in a few hours so I left it there and came back later. I am 100% sure this is a bad bearing now but I don't get how putting in a new on has no effect on this sound at all. I think I just got ripped off.

 

[funkytuqe]

How well does the wheel spin? is there much resistance? Can you feel any play in the Hub?

For update: I just had mine replaced on Wednesday (front Drivers side bearing), the noise is gone, no more play in the hub (before replacement, i could jack up that side, wiggle the wheel and feel it clunk around). I had an alignment too and the car feels as smooth as ever.