brownsfan1

My 2002 ES300 has a loud humming sound coming from the right side brakes/wheel bearing/CV axle. I have been replacing parts from my parts car (total wreck) a 2003 ES300. Keep in mind, the parts from the wreck are fine. The first part I replaced was the Control Arm Knuckle which included the Hub and Wheel Bearing. My research led me to believe that was the problem. That didn't work. Next part I replaced was the CV Axle. Same thing......Loud hum. One of the symptoms is that when I turn right the humming sound goes away. As soon as I straighten out the wheel, I'm back to the humming. The next item I replaced and thought I had it dicked was the CV Axle wheel bearing mid axle support. And...............She's still a humming. Anyone out there ever came across this problem?...... and please don't tell me the fix is to turn the volume up on my stereo. Seriously........Any clue? Thanks for your time.

mmarshall

Welcome to CL.

Given the fact that the hum goes away when you turn right (which takes some of the pressure off both the right side wheels and transfers it leftward) makes me think it is probably one of the two right-side wheel bearings, despite the fact that you said you replaced the front one with the axle-shaft assembly. First, did you ask replace the right rear bearing? And, Second, though I'm not going to second-guess your work, are sure you replaced the right-side assembly correctly? I'm not a drivetrain technician, but I do know that those assemblies have to be replaced very precisely, with exactly the right amount of free play and clearance in the mount, or you can wind up with either humming or clunking noises.

SW17LS

Sure sounds like a wheel bearing...

Oro

brownsfan1

Check this out. https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_fro...es300&_sacat=0

crwys

Its your wheel bearing most likely.

Oro

LeX2K

Here's a 2002 ES axle, looks like it has a bearing to me.



Also in the parts diagram it shows BRACKET, DRIVE SHAFT BEARING

Oro

JohnnyMusso

If I can piggy back on this, I'd like to ask about a very similar issue. There is a sound coming from one or both rear wheels or bearings that I would describe as sounding like a roar or a bad tire. The basic bearing test by turning the wheels while jacked and listening or checking for side to side wheel movement didn't yield anything definitive. Ironically, I recently rotated the tires and had to immediately rotate the front back to the rear again because the car drove like an alignment problem existed after the initial rotation. The tires look good and were purchased by the previous owner but I know they may be the problem. My concern is that replacing them will just mess up another set of tires if, in fact, they were good when they were purchased. Also, when driving over speed bumps, there is a bump or clunk type noise in the back which led me to think of the struts/shocks. What would anyone suggest as best way to proceed without buying and ruining new tires? This is a 2002 ES300 160K miles and the rear struts, etc. are all original. Thanks.

LeX2K

Sounds like the entire suspension needs to be checked things like control arms, sway bar links and bushings and the like. Bad tires can made some odd noises to say the least I have an old set that are only used to store a car when I drive on them I get rumbling noises. And/or you might have a bad wheel bearing most common is right front since that takes more load than the others due to road slope.

Wheel bearings on these cars tend not to have the noise change when you turn the steering wheel they always have the "helicopter" sound.