had my dealer look at my 96 civic lx, 98K miles. I am hearing what I'd describe as an airplane propeller noise from front, starting low but getting higher pitched, starting at about 40 MPH as I accelerate. Goes from high to low pitch when decelerate.
Found nothing with exhaust, and it seems to get continuously louder, not changing with gear shifts. Mechanic test drove, indicated it was left front wheel bearing, and that for 96 civic they are not repairable they need to be replaced.
Is that reasonable? What should he have done to be sure it is the bearing, and on the left?
thanks in advance.

 

That sounds about right. I had the same problem in my crx, but it was the pass. rear. When ever I would go into a right turn (taking weight off the it) at decend speeds, it would get quieter, and when I would go into a left turn (putting more weight onto it) at decend speeds, it would get noisier.

 

thanks. one difference is that the noise is with straightline acceleration don't notice a difference on turns