I'm getting a droning/humming from my rear pass area after 50mph. It sounds like excessive tire noise or hearing someone elses exhaust driving next to you.

The noise goes away when the brakes are applied.

The noise does not change when changing directions, and there was no noticeable play in the wheel in any direction. I took out the pads and they had plenty of life.

Checked the tires and did not find anything, though it showed a very slight sign of feathering. Tires only have 3k on them.

All the studs are still in one piece, and the lugs are torqued down to spec.

Car is a 03, 103k miles on it. First noticed the noise after driving over a decent stretch of bumpy *** highway that had more pothole patchings than original road.

Damn thing is driving me crazy, any thoughts??? Thanks

 

no one?

 

wheel bearing or diff would be my first two thoughts. I know you said there wasn't noticable wheelplay... but still a viable possibility. especially since less noticable when braking. Also I would double check alignment, and balancing.. though if no vibration, likely not the balance...

 

Did you inspect the parking brake shoes behind the rotor??

Sometimes, especially up in the NE the hardware goes bad, rust, etc.

 

what he said...& double check tire pressure and fluid level in diff and for leaks and bushing wear.

 

Thanks for the help. I will take a look at the ebrake shoes later. Time pressure and balance seems to be all good. I'm still leaning towards bearing as well, but being so loud I figure it had to show some play by now. Last resort might just be replacing the hub assemblies and hope it's not the diff.

 

Slight feathering? That can cause noise depending on tread pattern. If you only have 3k on them and you're seeing that...get an alignment.