1st_gen7

iTrader: (2)

So I have this low pitch pulsating noise coming from one of my wheels, possibly the front right. It sounds like a really faint grinding, I can feel it through the e-brake or with my leg pressed against the tranny tunnel if i concentrate on it. Its frequency is dependent on speed. It is most noticeable at around 30-40 mph and goes away below that and at high speeds. Could it be a wheel bearing wearing out? I did a search and the only descriptions of bad wheel bearings were a constant grind. My noise pulsates, could this be the early stages of a worn bearing? Maybe alignment? I thought it might be a warped rotor but I get zero vibration under braking. Any suggestions? How do i check for worn bearings on a GSL-SE?

13x

Best bet would be to pull apart and check

rwatson5651

iTrader: (5)

Its a wheel bearing. I would fix it asap cause it is possible for it to lock up or ruin your spindle. Both very bad.

Seniorchief

A bad wheel bearing can make the noise you describe. However, the grinding noise is usually noticed when making a turn and will go away once the car is centered and it will grind everytime you turn the wheel regardless of speed. What you have sounds more like a driveshaft u-joint going bad. A u-joint going bad will usually only occur at certain speeds (between 30-40 mph like your are experiencing) and will go away below or above that speed range. Another indication to me that it's a driveshaft u-joint is that you can feel it through your trans tunnel/E-brake assy.

1st_gen7

iTrader: (2)

o man, i never considered that one. it doesnt make any sound while turning. id really hate to drop a driveshaft while im driving. any tips on verifying its my u-joint?

sobis1dm

My Buick was weird, the bad wheel bearing would grind while going straight down the road but it'd be silent if I was banking right. Really odd.

Either way bearings/hubs aren't too difficult and while the spindle CAN lock up, it takes a very very bad bearing for that to happen.

84stock

iTrader: (5)

Mine was making some noise, so I jacked up the front end and spun the wheels. Left front sounded shitty! Took it apart, yup, shitty. New bearings ordered!

1st_gen7

iTrader: (2)

guess im gonna jack up the car and check out the bearings this weekend. i hope its the bearings as a new driveshaft would be a more expensive repair.

feel free to post more opinions/experiences, thanks to all those who provided input so far.

cshaw07

iTrader: (14)

sounds like you've never looked at your bearings. tear them both apart clean and regrease. You will have a much better feeling knowing that they are freshened up.

1st_gen7

iTrader: (2)

yeah i have all the tools and just got some new grease. i just got the car recently, i work full time and have limited garage space since i live in an apartment. ill be taking a look at the bearings this weekend. id like to pinpoint the problem first before i start buying replacement parts. just on here looking for some experienced suggestions. thanks for the idea.

7-Zark-7

Check the bearing play first. On my car, the PO let that go and it caused tire cupping.
I got Timken bearings cheap at Rock Auto and did the job a couple weeks ago. Easy job. There was still some noise from the tire cupping, so I mounted a new set the other day and all is well.

ClineStine

good luck

ClineStine

good luck again! ( post whoring )

1st_gen7

iTrader: (2)

it was a wheel bearing, kinda weird that it never made noise while turning, only going straight...

Twilightoptics

iTrader: (1)

Never seen a wheel bearing make a "puslating" noise. That is completely indicative of driveline issues.

Grinding when turning, constant noise, or short quick sqwalk sounds yeah. But a pulse like it comes in weak, gets strong, then fades - repeat. That's driveline.

1st_gen7

iTrader: (2)

Driveshaft was fine, removed and inspected, tranny is rebuilt, no metal in the diff fluid, when I changed the bearings in the front the noise went away... weird right?

Twilightoptics

iTrader: (1)

Totally.