Whirling/Growling Noise - 2008 Rogue

[cnype]

I know it's so hard to help without experiencing the issue, but wanted to bounce around a few ideas and see what everyone else thinks. I have a 2008 Rogue and recently started hearing a clicking/whirling noise that picks up with wheel speed (it is independent of engine RPM). When the wheels slow to a stop, the noise also slows and goes away.

First I want to say that I already know about the CVT noise described in this thread:
rogue-cvt-issues-fail-safe-and-whining- ... 40-60.html

However, my problem is different. The sound is more like the name of Dane Cooks first kid -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rLSrKpgNjFE. No dash lights come on, and performance of the car is as good as ever (no rev limiting). I also have brand new tires and they were recently rotated.

I took it to a dealer and ALL he said was "internal transmission failure, needs a new one." I'm already over 120K miles, so I'm not happy about that option. And, like I said, no lights are coming on, performance of the car is not limited, and I've driven the car and manually changed gears with no changes to the sound. Therefore, I think the problem seems independent of the transmission.

I remember during my last state inspection they told me my CV boot was leaking, but their quote was outrageous so I didn't let them do it. The only problem with that theory is that it seems everywhere I read it says that failing CV joint noise usually changes with steering (clicking while turning). I took my car for a test drive and did circles and U-turns all day and did not notice any change in noise.

My noise sounds like Dane Cooks first kid and is ONLY linked to wheel speed - not engine RPMs, manual gear shifts or steering direction. Does anyone know what it could be?

[ImStricken06]

you gotta understand that the transmission is linked to the wheels. so if the sound is dependent from the engine speed - then its going to be either:
tires, hub bearings, differential, transfer-case, transmission. the engine is hooked up to the transmission, but the transmission internals dont spin until you apply the throttle. and they spin faster as you gain speed.

i would go to an independent mechanic to see what he/she says.

[petro24]

Sounds like wheel bearings. I have the same noise on my Infiniti EX35. Many Nissan and Infiniti owners have this issue. I'm DIY replacing the fronts hub/bearings this weekend. What was the outcome?

[petro24]

Well, it was the wheel bearings making the same noise you are experiencing! I ordered Timken hub/bearings from Amazon for $77 each. The hub and bearing is one unit. You don't need a press for the bearings. I replaced the passenger side front first as that is where I thought the whining/humming noise was originating. I was correct. The car is back to quiet. I am still going to change the driver side front as it will probably start to fail soon. There are a few threads and videos that can help you do it yourself. The dealership wanted $220 per hub/bearing and labor of $300 each side to do the work. It took me an hour to do one side and $77 for the superior quality Timken hub/bearing. The other side should take less than a half hour. Good luck!