Hey, sorry my first post here is to ask for help but I have some engine noise with my stock 2000 GSR with ~100k miles on it. Some time back it began making a low growling sound that is present at all speeds, the sound increases it's repetition with the speed of the car but doesn't really get louder but it's a little hard to judge. When the car is stopped I can take it through the rpm band with no unusual sounds at all. Although it's not exhaust related the noise does indeed sound like I might've removed the muffler or perhaps a WWII era motor bike is (constantly) cruising along next to me.

Anyways the sound is most likely coming from something related to the left front wheel since it dissappears when making any kind of extended left turn that moves weight to the right side of the car. Also I can't clearly remember when the noise started but it may have been soon after I made a pretty intensive right turn. Nothing the integra couldn't handle but it was a long and downward-sloping freeway onramp and I was accelerating through it. I mention that since it's one thing that jumps out from memory that would've put more than average stress on the front left wheel area. Other than this sound I haven't noticed any change in the car's performance, handling, mileage, etc. No vibrations or change in ride quality either.

I've been trying to lay off the car but I need to use it more now so I need to get it fixed. The first mechanic I took it to a while back said he could hear the noise but only on the road and <U>not when up on the lift</U>. He actually recommended waiting for it to get worse and then bringing it back. Hah! So I'll eventually be taking it to someone else but I'd like to hear any of your comments since it's usually better to know as much as possible before hand. Thanks.

I found these 2 posts that seem close or very close to my situation.

https://honda-tech.com/zerothread?id=2125977
https://honda-tech.com/zerothread?id=2052075

Would most recommend I start with the wheel bearings? I don't think this is related to the manifold since the car's weight distribution effects the noise.

 

Welcome to HT. You did an awesome job with your post, it looks like you did your research and have more than half a brain (like most n00bs). I cant think of what that noises could be and I'm with the mechanic when he says wait for it to get worse. I know it can be annoying hearing it everyday but it will be alot easier to pinpoint if the noise gets worse.