My S 2000 is making a noise that can best be heard around 25 to 40 mph. It is a rotational noise that clearly has something to do with the rotation of one or more of the car's wheels. It isn't too loud and the noise sounds like "wu, wu, wu, wu...."

Like all rotational noises, it speeds up the faster the car goes. It makes the noise whether or not the car is in gear, out of gear and coasting, on throttle or off throttle, on brakes or off brakes, so I assume it has nothing to do with engine or tranny.

My thought was it might be a wheel bearing or a loose spindle nut. I also considered a CV joint. As it is under warranty, I brought it in to Boch. They called me this morning and said I needed 4 new tires. The car has 14,600 miles, so this is not an outrageous claim, but the tires still looked pretty good to me when I inspected them last week. They also looked good enough for Boch to give me a new inspection sticker about three weeks ago. The fact that the noise continues when I apply the brakes suggests they may be right.

Have the rest of you heard a rotational noise as you reach the point of needing new tires?

Thanks for your thoughts.

Bill

 

why not just put your track tires on and drive around the your house a bit. If the noise is still there then you'll know it's not the tires -

i've never heard of tires making a noise when they need to be replaced

 

Hi Bill, I got a 2002 with about 13.4k miles. I had the wheels off last weekend and ZAINO'd them. I inspected my rears and have about an 1/8 left on the inside of them to the indicator. I have not been hearing any type of noises that you describe. I say bring it to another dealer.

It could be that spindle nut. I remember some time ago a lot of folks had that problem on their cars. If I find the thread I will post back.

Good Luck, hope to see you for the wine drive we missed you on the mohawk. You must be working too hard

 

Hi Bill!

I'm not sure what "wu, wu, wu, wu...." exactly sounds like... but it could be your wheel bearing. The axel nut fix will work temporarily if this is the problem.

I've already replaced my rear driver's side wheel bearing because of the noise. How about this... is the noise always there at all speeds? Or do you notice it more as you are slowing down or beginning to accelerate?

 

I always hear it between 25 and 40 mph. If i put itin neutral and letit coast, I can hear it as the car slows down. The frequency of the "wu, wu, wu" decreases with the speed. I hear it on acceleration too.

 

Not a bad idea at all Steve. I have a set of tires from Thomas, but before I mount them, I want to make sure my original tires are really and truly worn out.

 

You can try swapping rims/tires first...

If that doesn't work... then try torquing the axel nut.

 

Bearings...

 

does the noise go away when you make a left or right turn?

the only time tires make noise is when they are "cupped" but with tech. these days its very unlikely

 

Hi Bill,

My guess is that the the tread blocks on the inside of your tires have worn unevenly. Jack up the wheels and spin them while running your fingers over different parts of the tread. You'll most likely feel the uneven wear. You can have them switched and mounted on the other side of the car if theere's enough tread left ot be worth it.

Dana