Q: Humming noise coming from my tires. Not the wheel bearings and not the shocks or tires

asked by on July 12, 2017

There's a humming noise coming from my tires. It was worse at the back. My back tires had some flat spots too. They checked wheel bearings; they're solid. Changed the shocks and back tires, no change. The noise is slightly better but still quite bad.. Please help!

Car is making a noise Inspection $94.99 - $114.99 Get a Quote

Wireless chassis ears (remote microphones) can be mounted at each wheel position to pinpoint the origin of the humming. Wheel bearings that have zero play (i.e., are absolutely "solid") can make a huge amount of noise if there are merely defects on the bearing race. Very often, you can NOT determine whether a wheel bearing accounts for noise based on an external exam or even measurement. That is because the noise, often humming as you describe it, is caused by relatively small imperfections in the bearing races and those imperfections can only be seen if you totally disassemble the bearing. If you request a vehicle noise diagnostic - suspect wheel bearings, the responding certified mechanic will pinpoint the origin of the noise and get this issue taken care of for you. If you have further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to re-contact YourMechanic as we are always here to help you.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

What do the green lights mean in the dash?
While your dash contains a number of red and orange lights, it also has several green lights. Green is used to tell you that they’re not critical warnings, but still provide important information. Turn Signals and Hazard Lights: The corresponding...
Car running rough
When your engine computer sees a problem with a major sensor or sees that an engine is misfiring, the computer will turn on the restricted performance statement with a red or amber light. The problem may be one of several,...
My truck is losing power on take off and throwing multiple codes
Hello. The codes listed are indicative of lean conditions on both banks A and B, as well as issues with the camshaft position sensor for circuit B. A lean condition at both banks can be caused by many things. A...
My car is losing all engine power off and on when driving
Hey there. With a problem like this, it is a great idea to start with the fuel system. The fuel pump (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/fuel-pump-replacement) and filter (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/fuel-filter-replacement) should be checked. These need to be replaced together anyway. Depending on how many miles...
Warning: Engine Malfunction! Reduced Power: Engine is operating at reduced output
This is a sign of your car's automatic fail safe mode. When your car's computer detects that something has gone wrong in one of it's major systems, it will send the car into what is known as a "limp mode"...
When I stop my car it starts to turn off. When I run my car for a bit and turn it off, it won't turn back on when I twist the key.
Hello. If the car doesn't crank then there is likely an issue with the starting or electrical system. If the issue began after you installed the new battery then the first thing I would do is check the battery to...
My battery went dead, replaced it with a new one and within 150 miles the Check Engine Warning Light came on.
There are a relatively large number of Technical Service Bulletins (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/how-to-use-a-technical-service-bulletin-by-parker-hill) that GM has issued covering faults and difficulties with electrical components in your vehicle (ref: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration on-line database which we searched for your year, make...
Evap vent valve has oil coming from it.
Is the check engine light on for a problem with the evap system vent valve? The fuel tank may have been overfilled. The evap canister has charcoal inside and if the fuel was overfilled it may be coming out of...
2001 Chevy Malibu lights turn on but won't start
It sounds like what you are describing may be related to a faulty starter relay. The starter relay (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/starter-relay-replacement) directs power from the battery to the starter solenoid which then engages the starter when you turn the key. When this...

Related articles

How Do Sensors Get Dirty or Damaged?
Car sensors measure and relay vital information to the ECU. Some sensors can get dirty from normal use, or fail if the car overheats or has a problem.
How Does Traction Control Work?
Traction control is a car safety feature that prevents wheels from spinning on low-grip surfaces. Electric sensors in your car make the system work.
How Long Does a Wheel Hub Assembly Last?
The The wheels that are on a vehicle are vital in its overall level of functionality. There are a variety of things that help to make this part of a car run, namely the wheel hub assembly and the wheel...