Humming noise from a wheel: causes and fixes

What usually causes a humming noise from a wheel

The most common cause is a wheel bearing wearing out. The bearing lets the wheel turn with very little friction, and as it wears it starts to hum, grind or rumble. The noise usually rises with speed, and it often changes when you steer — loading one side of the car can make the hum louder or quieter, which is how you narrow down which corner it comes from.

A hum can also come from the tyres. Tyres that are worn unevenly can hum, and the noise can sound like a bearing. A tyre hum usually stays the same when you steer, while a bearing hum changes — but the two can be hard to tell apart by ear alone.

What to check by looking and listening

Listen to whether the noise rises with speed — a bearing hum usually does. Listen to whether it changes when you steer left or right — a bearing hum usually does, and a tyre hum usually does not. Listen to which corner it seems to come from, front or rear, left or right, and tell us that when you call.

When a bearing has failed badly, the wheel can feel loose, and it is not something to drive on. If the noise is getting worse, get the car looked at before you drive it any further.

Which part is usually involved

A hum from a wheel most often points at the wheel bearing in that corner. The shock absorbers and the rest of the suspension are the other parts that can make a noise from a wheel.

• Wheel bearings for your car
• Shock absorbers for your car
• Suspension and steering parts for your car

Frequently asked questions