Noise when above 30 MPH - even out of gear (noob here)

[cosmicdust]

I've had my 2005 SE for about 6 months now. Recently started making a "buzzing" noise while at speed. It's not very audible below 20 MPH...and hard to hear from the window. It's more felt and heard inside the car. At about 50 MPH it is loudest, and it rises in pitch as I go faster. I can take the car out of gear with no effect, so I doubt it's the tranny, more likely something wheel/axle related. Interestingly, if I start to drift tot he left it gets louder, conversely it gets a little quieter if I pull to the right a bit.

I'm not convinced it's a wheel bearing, it's not a groan...more like scraping a comb on the edge of a desk (but not that high-pitched) or cardboard on a grill, which is why I call it a buzzing noise.

Any ideas?

[gonzo4191]

im still feeling a wheel bearing.... or an axle bearing as they are the onl things turning, how r your brakes?

[00Beast]

Sounds very much like a wheel bearing to me. Jack the car up in the front and check for play (push and pull on the wheels) in the 1:30 and 7:30 positions (corners, not top or sides) of the front wheels. That would guarantee a wheel bearing.

[skregal]

I'd jack up each wheel and take them off and inspect everything from
brakes to bearings. Spin the raised wheels and see if you can hear
anything (chock the other wheels when in neutral).
Maybe it's simple, like debris caught in the caliper or the
dust shield is bent and rubbing. Check the half-shaft drive axles
to make sure nothing is rubbing them.

I like to drive on a road with a concrete barrier to locate noises.
I get real close to the barrier and listen for the noise to bounce off
so I can locate if it's the front or rear of the car and so forth.

[cosmicdust]

Yep. Hub bearing. Dealer quoted $550, I got a local mechanic to do it for $290.

Thanks for your help and advice!