Humming Noise From 51 Plate 2.0 Vvti

[thick_mike]

Hope someone can point me in the right direction. I have a humming noise coming from my 51 plate (old style) Avensis 2.0 VVTI. It starts humming/droning at about 40 mph increasing in volume and pitch as the car speeds up. The increase in volume and pitch is linked to the peed of the car, not the engine revs (same noise at 60 mph in 4th or 5th gear). The car has done 74k and has been reasonably well maintained (finances allowing!).

It's difficult to pin down where the noise is coming from (underneath the car?).

From the fact that it's not linked to the revs, I guess it's either the transmission after the gearbox, or the wheel bearings. Humming I assume is more likely to be bearings?

Any help would be appreciated. Oh, by the way, it's that horrible red mica colour (with a silly spoiler on the boot)!

Cheers, Mike

[cmia]

Can be two faults

1 - Bearing - wheels

2 - Bearing in main shaft of gearbox.

Can you tell me does the noise change when you turn the steering wheel ?

[thick_mike]

Can be two faults

1 - Bearing - wheels

2 - Bearing in main shaft of gearbox.

Can you tell me does the noise change when you turn the steering wheel ?

Thanks for the reply...

Haven't noticed it changing, which I guess is bad news?!

If it does look like the gearbox bearing, are there any diagnostic things I can do to make sure (like changing gears, engageing clutch etc?). Sounds too expensive for me!

Cheers Mike

[cmia]

You could try the cheaper alternative

change gearbox oil and see if that helps.

[thick_mike]

You could try the cheaper alternative

change gearbox oil and see if that helps.

I guess that would be a good first step. I'll dig the Haynes manual out.

[cmia]

Far cheaper then replacing the box

You can also check bearing Play and noise manually spinning one of the wheels each time and see if you can hear the groaning noise.

[thick_mike]

Far cheaper then replacing the box

You can also check bearing Play and noise manually spinning one of the wheels each time and see if you can hear the groaning noise.

Thanks for your help cmia...I'll be back for more wisdom (or counselling/financial advice) if this doesn't fix it.

Cheers Mike

[thick_mike]

Just thought I'd update the situation to maybe help others...

Changed the transmission oil this morning and took the car for a test drive. No improvement in the noise. While I was on the drive I tried a bit of snakeing to listen for any change in the noise on cornering...nothing I could hear. So all evidence pointed to the gearbox bearing.

I bit the bullet and took the car to a very nice man at BET Transmissions in Bletchley. He took it for a test drive and said there was nothing wrong with the gearbox, but I did have a problem with one of my rear wheel bearings...phew! I can't vouch for BET's workmanship, but they are very friendly and helpful and appear to be very competent. If I ever do have the misfortune to need transmission work doing, I'd go back there with no fears.

I didn't hear the change it noise on cornering as it's less pronounced with the rear wheels.

So hopefully not as expensive as I initially feared.

Thanks for your help BTW cmia.

Anyone know a reasonable price to get the wheel bearing sorted? Is it an easy DIY job (does it require special tools)?

Cheers Mike

[cmia]

Bearing wheel need to be pressed into the hub

get a good branded bearing