P5 issue, Loud humming noise.

[SilverZ2167]

Hi, I am new to this forum.

I just purchased a used P5 with 120,000 miles on the car.

When driving the car from MA to NYC I started to hear a loud humming noise that was constant at any speed over 20mph, this noise when coming to a stop has a distinct rotating sound which leads me to believe that it is either a tire or mechanical issue. The sound does not seem to be apparent outside of the car, but very noticeable inside the car.

Prior to this drive the car had been looked over by the family mechanic, and new tires were put on. Because the car was just checked out I do not believe it to be the barrings as those were inspected 2 days ago.

Does anyone have any idea what this noise could be? I have not been able to pin point where the sound is coming from, but it does not go away when turning the car one way or another. Could the sound just be due to the new tires (Nokian W2 G2)?

Any incite would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers,
-Zack

 

[nathan23554]

I had a bad wheel bearing and it was a very loud humming, does it get louder when you change lanes at highway speeds?

 

[SilverZ2167]

I don't believe so, it is a pretty constant sound. If it were a rear wheel bearing would changing lanes/ turning to the right or left affect the sound?

 

[visiongt9506]

could either be wheel bearings or it could be dude to the tires being choppy, how often do you rotate them? i would just the front and rear inside treads on the tires


what part of MA are you from?

 

[SilverZ2167]

The tires are new as of 2 days ago, so the bearing seems the most likely culprit, Thanks.

I forgot to say the car is an auto, is there any possibility that the transmition is making the noise?

From the North Shore, but currently in Amherst for grad school.

 

[nathan23554]

I'd imagine the back wheel bearings wouldn't get louder with lane change, mine were messed up in the front. I got them fixed for about 30$ and it made a world of difference, felt like I was driving a new car.

 

[MazdaSpeeder]

If you think it is the transmission, put it in neutral on the highway...if it stops humming, it's your culprit. It sounds like bearings to me. I would jack up each wheel and spin them each by hand, listening to see if one sounds different from the others. This will definitely help you figure out if it is a bearing.

 

[Jordysoso]

Tires can cause a constant hum but test out Mazdaspeeders suggestion

 

[tweety2300]

Another culprit could be a sticking caliper mine made a humming noise but I would look into the bearing first

 

[SilverZ2167]

Thanks for all the responses and suggestions