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I have a 2001 Buick Sesabre with 92000 miles. I purchased new Good Year Arriva tires approximately 7000 miles ago and after driving on them a few weeks I began to notice a whirring sound particicularly between the speeds of around 30 up to 60mph. It doesn't seem to change with the road surface. I had the alignment checked - it was right on. At Sam's Club where I purchased the tires said they need to be rotated so swapted the two front tires my self just to see if it made a difference. It didn't. Could it be something in the transmission? I used low gear while on vacation as a grade retard (at slow speed) and think back, that is about the time I began noticing the noise. I suppose the tires has about 5000 miles by then. Any ideas? I was told it may be the design of the tire tread, but why didn't I hear it right away? Do I have to live with it?

Les

Optional Information:
2001 Buick LeSabre 3800

Already Tried:
swapted the two front tires. I also jacked up the right and left front tires individually and spun them up to about 45 mph. There was some vibration on both sides, but more so on the right which is where it seems the whirr is loudest.

Customer (name blocked for privacy)

Status: Closed Value: $10

Does the noise change when turning slighty to the left or right while driving? Do I under stand that you hear the noise with the front wheels jack up? Yes To one or both could be pointing to a wheel bearing going bad. Yes the transmission may be the cause. Check the fluid level. Smell for burnt smell from trans. fluid. Hope this helps some. If it continues let a Qualified Tech looks at it.

Reply to 32dmadden's Post: Thank you for your response. The sound does not occur when turning the wheels right or left. I hear it going straight ahead. Sounds like a an airplane propeller but of course not as loud. The Pitch changes as the wheels turn faster. With the wheels jacked up it wasn't the same noise, more of a vibration. How can I check if it is wheel bearing?

That model has a sealed Bearing/hub ass'y. while driving in a strait line put a little pressure to the right with the steering wheel. Do you hear the noise change or go away and it comes back as you let off the pressure its the right bearing. This action loads the bearing taking up some of the play in the bearing away as you go right. Same test in reverse for the left side. You can jack up the car and check for excessive play. Spinn the wheel by hand. See if you feel any roughness while spinning.

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