I have a 1999 Ford Focus hatchback 1.6l.
I'm getting an irritating humming noise which is felt throughout the vehicle. The noise gets louder with speed, occuring at 30 MPH upwards.
I know that it is not the rear wheel bearings as I have checked them. I replaced one last year....so I know how to detect a bad one.
I've also checked the front wheel bearings. These seem fine to me as well.
I thought about rear tyre balance, but the tyres have only been on for one year....would they be out of balance already?
Any ideas as to what the problem could be?
Many thanks
Update:I replaced one rear bearing that was faulty. I actually bought 2 so that I could replace the second one. When I looked at the second one there was evidence that it had been renewed (little press marks on the outer race). I gave it a thorough inspection and it was fine. Since the car had only done 70K I left it be. Whe the other bearing went it was obvious which side the noise was coming from. The new vibration is felt throughout the car, including in the floor a little.
Answers & Comments
Verified answer
The obvious thing is a wheel bearing,however i had a focus a couple of years ago with this problem.It was caused by 2 different makes of tyre on the back,no joking it sounded like a wheel bearing but i had to change a tyre and match the makes up,eg Goodyear.I know it sounds daft but that was the cause!==========You say you replaced 1 bearing,i think you should always replace the 2 at the same time.
Ford Mondeo Wheel Bearing Noise
Its very likely to be the tyres. I have seen this before 2 times on this car. Look carefully at the rear tyres and if the blocks are miss shaped or different heights then replace them.
Its normaly on the rear wheels the problem occurs.
Edit Could still be the tyres if they have been on 12months, if you have a friend with a ford try swapping all the wheels over.
Its not the tyre balance its the way the tread wears.
Well if it's a humming noise it could be even the exhaust doing it but since it's felt in the vehicle it could be the transmission even humming.If you've not changed the transmission filter or fluid in some time I'd start there or have the vehicle put on on 4 stands solid and run the engine at 30mph and up and see if you can spot the cause then.
Hope that helps and best of luck.By the way have you've checked the vac lines and air filter bec a engine can humm too for different reasons or even a coil or relay can humm.
does the noise increase/decrease when cornering, (try driving along a quiet road and move the car from kerb to white line repeatedly and with care, it's definitely a hub bearing....
ps. you say you've checked the bearings..how? when the noise only starts over 30 mph.....
1
not to bore you with wheel bearings, but it really does sound like its the problem, change the other bearing for what it costs and see if theres any difference, i have known on a focus a rear drum go bum bum bum, i havent got a clue chicken, ive just been released from prison for glue
sniffing
Tyre noise, or if it`s a diesel the start of a dual mass flywheel problem.
Check the bearing on the offside driveshaft, it's attached to the back of the engine.
Whatever locked it 13 times, do the opposite. Or better yet, insert the key in the lock and turn. If you don't have the key and it's inside the car, call a tow company and tell them you need unlock service.