One of the common questions I get Is what causes humming noise in a car that gets louder with speed, In this article, we are going to look at the possible reasons why you might hear humming noise that gets louder as you accelerate, let’s jump straight to it!
In short, the number one cause of humming noise in a car that gets louder with speed is Worn Wheel Bearings, wheel bearings are responsible for providing smooth movement of the wheel when turning, when they get bad, the first symptom is humming sounds. other possible causes include tire noise, alignment issues, bad ball joints, and in some cases a failing transmission.
Humming Noise in a Car Common Causes
1. Bad Wheel Bearing
This is probably the main culprit in most cases when you hear humming noise in a car that gets louder with speed, bad bearings it is usually caused by either lack of lubrication or by cavitation.
Most cars have one or two wheel bearings in each hub assembly and there are many different types of bearings depending on your car manufacturer and model. A Worn wheel Bearing can cause your vehicle to make a humming sound and usually gets louder and louder as you accelerate.
2. Tire Noise:
If you hear a strange noise that gets louder, it’s most likely because your tires are out of balance. The TPMS system will alert you to low tire pressure in your car, if the sensors detect any leaks in your tires, no matter how small they are, they will register on the TPMS system.
As the vehicle moves through space unevenly, each tire moves with different degrees of lateral movement within the wheel rim. When this is not detected by the sensors, the TPMS system may read a false leak signal.
3. Wheel Alignment Issues:
Wheel alignment is important to your car. Improperly aligned wheels are the leading cause of uneven tire wear. When the car is moving, each wheel moves with different degrees of lateral movement within the wheel rim, triggering vibration which you hear as humming noise in a car that gets louder with speed.
4. Bad Ball Joints:
Another common cause of bumping noise is the ball joints. A worn ball joint usually causes your vehicle to make a crunching noise as you drive, or more commonly, it makes a clicking noise at the starting point of every turn.
Regardless of how annoying they may be, they are fairly simple to replace and significantly help your car’s performance.
5. Failing Transmission:
In some rare cases, a failed transmission can cause a humming noise in a car to get louder as you accelerate. A bad seal can also cause a noisy gear shift, this is usually caused by a leak in the rear differential fluid.
What to Do if Your Car is Making a Humming Noise that gets Louder with Speed?
1. Replace Wheel Bearings:
The most effective solution is replacing worn wheel bearings. Not only will this help reduce the noise, but it will also increase your car’s performance and handling. If you have a quarter-sized hole in your fender, a spun bearing can cause a huge quarter-sized hole in your wallet. If you are handy, you can do it yourself but I would advise you to take the vehicle to the nearest mechanic.
2. Get your Tires Balanced:
If the humming noise still exists after replacing the wheel bearings, you might be having an uneven tire wear issue, in this case, it is best to take your car to the nearest mechanic or garage for tire balancing. and ensure there are no chopped threads.
3. Take the vehicle for Diagnostics:
If replacing wheel bearings doesn’t solve the humming noise issue then try taking your car to the nearest mechanic or garage for diagnostics. They will most likely start by checking the wheel alignment, they will also check for any loose, worn, bad ball joints or other underlying problems in your car.
Conclusion
We have looked at the possible causes of humming noise in a car that gets louder with speed, there are many common causes from Bad Wheel bearings to leaking ball joints. In almost all cases, replacing worn wheel bearings with new ones is the solution. It will not only resolve your problem but will also increase your car’s performance and handling.
Sources:
https://www.readersdigest.ca/cars/maintenance/strange-car-sounds/
Robert Anderson is a world class motorhead who rebuilt his first carb at age 10, his first engine at age 15, and completed his first full hotrod build when he was just 18! Previously, he has ran a part warehouse, delivered pizzas, and managed the service department for a $20 million/year revenue dealership. Robert knows cars like few others and he is passionate about sharing his knowledge.