Rear end whirring/humming noise from I35.

[nyclad]

Hi guys,

I have an 02 I35 with around 109k-ish miles on it. Well, it's my wife's car, I just make payments on it.

I did a search, but the noise the car makes doesn't seem like what's already posted in the other threads.

She said there's a humming noise from the rear. I test drove it, and starting around 40 mph, there's a constant whirring/humming noise. The noise can best be described as something similar to the electric motor of the treadmill at a gym, but louder. When I go faster, like 60-75 mph, the whirring noise gets much louder. The whirring seems to get faster too, similar to the noise a jet engine on a commerical airliner makes when it's climbing after takeoff. And the noise is about as loud as sitting in the plane too. The noise seems to be coming from the trunk, and doesn't seem to be coming from either side, but seems to just be coming from the rear in general.

I'm thinking perhaps both rear sets of bearings are shot. Any ideas?

Thanks!Steve

[snwbrdr435]

Id go with the bearings being shot to

Welcome to nico

[loystock]

From your description, it's most likely the wheel bearing(s) as mentioned by "snwbrdr435." If confirmed, it must be fixed immediately to avoid damage to bearing hub/housing. However, you also mentioned motor-like noise from the trunk which could possibly come from a failing fuel pump (accessible from the rear seat, pax side).

Best way to isolate is to run the engine and if you hear whirring noise noise coming from the rear/trunk with car static, problem is with the fuel pump. Otherwise, it's the bearing. You may have to drive for some time to isolate if it's the left or right (to save on shop diagnostic time).

[Markc]

I vote for wheel bearing(s) also; unless your tires are in really bad shape. If it turns out to be a bearing, I would change both left and right @ the same time if I were doing the job myself.

[nyclad]

Welcome to nico

Thanks!

[nyclad]

From your description, it's most likely the wheel bearing(s) as mentioned by "snwbrdr435." If confirmed, it must be fixed immediately to avoid damage to bearing hub/housing. However, you also mentioned motor-like noise from the trunk which could possibly come from a failing fuel pump (accessible from the rear seat, pax side).

Best way to isolate is to run the engine and if you hear whirring noise noise coming from the rear/trunk with car static, problem is with the fuel pump. Otherwise, it's the bearing. You may have to drive for some time to isolate if it's the left or right (to save on shop diagnostic time).

I tried listening in when the car is on and parked, but no dice. All the noise starts at around 40-45 mph.

Thanks for your responses. I kind of thought it was the bearings, but just wanted to throw it out there to see if anybody knew if the problem could be anything else.

Thanks!Steve

[jpk113]

i have an i30. i hear a humming noise from right rear tire. pull off hub assembly bearings look good, regrease put them back on. had to replace the caliper bracket one of the posts were frozen. jack the car up and spin the wheel sounds like the rear pad is dragging a bit. could i need a new caliper.