GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

Hello! First post....searched all last on here to not waste any space but didn't see much info

2003 fwd with 154k miles on it. Past month I've noticed a soft humming noise coming from the front passengers wheel. Lug nuts are tight! It's the same noise at 1mph to 75mph and doesn't change while turning. I've got low experience on cars. My boss found some play in the left cv joint and thinks that's my problem.

Any thought and tips for me genvibe?

Sounds more like a wheel bearing than a CV. A CV doesn't normally manifest as a hum that doesn't change with steering. Maybe even a stuck brake caliper/pad.

VIBErationsmon wrote:It's the same noise at 1mph to 75mph and doesn't change while turning.

Does the noise get louder as you go faster? If you make a right hand turn at speed does the sound get quieter? Try lifting that side of the car, and spin the wheel by hand does it make a noise?
Sounds like a wheel bearing to me too.

VIBErationsmon wrote:My boss found some play in the left cv joint and thinks that's my problem.

Is there any damage to the CV joint boot?
Some play in the CV shaft is normal, like grabbing the shaft then push/pulling it. The wheel goes up and down on the suspension, as well as turning left and right, so it needs to be able to move around.

Check the Rotor Shield just behind lower part of the brake rotor. Mine got bent and made a similar noise rubbing against the rotor.

Turns out were looking at a transmission bearing

VIBErationsmon wrote:Turns out were looking at a transmission bearing

I'll assume you have the popular 5-speed manual transmission which has a history of bearing failure for that year?

VIBErationsmon wrote:Turns out were looking at a transmission bearing

Boo, sorry to hear that.