04 G35 humming noise, wrong tie rod, off-center steering

[rgk]

I’m trying to help a buddy with some dangerous-sounding noise. It sounds like the hum from a bad bearing, but it’s not quite as consistent. It hums rhythmically, but sounds like it takes a rest every few beats. I can’t tell which side it’s coming from, but I’m leaning toward the right.

Buddy replaced the following:
Bracket which holds right control arm
Both upper control arms
Both tie rods
Left bearing

The auto parts store gave him a right tie rod instead of a left tie rod, and he installed it on the left. His rim was hitting it during hard turns. We found this last night and corrected it. But the sound persists.

He said the left bearing was in really bad shape. A different friend helped to press it. The right bearing isn’t showing obvious signs of wear.

What’s weird is that the wheels have some resistance with the front end raised and the car in neutral. I’m concerned he may have damaged his differential or u-joints. I’m not sure if this is related, but his steering is out of whack, the wheel doesn’t center properly.

I’m thinking today we’ll remove the driveshaft and see if the axles and wheels spin with less resistance. Any other ideas?