99 Accord Coupe, EX, 5 speed, 54xxx miles.

Ok about a week ago I started hearing a noise. Kinda sounded like a humming or buzzing. I wasn't sure what it was, but it almost sounded like road noise from the tires. The sound is totally related only to vehicle speed, not to engine speed or gear. it gets higher pitched as you go faster. The tires have about 25,000 miles on them so I figured that they had just started to wear down and get a little bit noiseier, but the noise has steadily increased volume. After doing a little bit more investigation, It seems like it is coming specifically from the drivers side front wheel. It also changes pitch when turninng sharply, like on an exit ramp or a windy road. there is almost no noise at all at low speeds. Today I pulled the wheel off, and fearing the worst checked for play in the suspension and bearings. I'm glad to say that there does not seem to be any problems, as there is no wiggle in any direction, and the wheel does not move in/out. while I had the wheel off, I also inspected the CV boot, and it looks to be ok So I'm kinda a little bit lost on where to go next. It doesn't sound like a brake pad dragging to me, but I have Brembo X-drilled and slotted rotors so that may change what a dragging pad sounds like? whats more, the car does not pull to one side under braking, nor do I experiennce fade or a nasty smell like you would expect with a dragging and hot pad. the Alignment seems to be good, it pulls just ever so slightly to the drives side, but tire wear is not effected. there is no vibration in the steering wheel, or the brake pedal. I checked the air pressure in the tires and they are correct. Oh yeah, and my car is not lowered. Can anyone help me out. I kinda just don't know where to go next. Please don't tell me to take it to the dealer, I'm only going there as an absolute last resort.

 

Are there high performance brake pads on the car?

 

yes, Axxis metal master. about 10,000 miles on both pads and rotors.

 

Long shot but check the heat sheild on the exhaust. This is a common problem for most Accords. The weld usually breaks on one of the brakets and then it's left to vibrate and usually it's only at certain RPM's under load. Hope this helps.

 

No, it's definately not a heat shield. the sound is not really a metalic sound.

 

Could be the driver's side wheel bearing, but it's aweful early for that to be wearing out. This would explain the velocity-dependent pitch and slight pulling to drivers side.

 

thats kinda what I thought it might be too, but there isn't any wobble or play in the wheel. is there any other way to check for it? something else I should look for?


[Modified by jweller, 12:57 AM 8/14/2001]

 

I dunno man. Surely you can take it to a good service station or speed shop for a free evaluation?

 

spin the wheel hard... if it slows down too fast your bearings are baaaddddd... mmmkay!