While taking my car out for a ride a little while ago, I noticed that this sound from the left front became much more pronounced then it has been since I picked the car up about a week ago. Here is what I know:

-The sound is coming from the left front suspension area
-It sounds somewhat like a thumping, almost like a helicopter and varies with vehicle speed
-The sound is produced whenever the car is in motion, and does not change by turning or braking. Only changes in speed change the frequency of the sound.
-The car is almost 100% original, including everything in the left front except for the obvious replacement brake pads. This area of the car hasn't been touched for years by the previous owner.

Is this a bad wheel bearing? I really don't want to go through the hassle of changing those. I just want some ideas before I tear into it tomorrow.

 

If it's a bad wheel bearing, the sound should disappear when you slightly turn (in neutral and without applying the brakes at around 30-40 mph on a pretty smooth roadway). If the sound disappear when you slightly turn to the left, it's the right bearing that has a problem. Same idea if you turn slightly to the right, then it's the left bearing.

Hugues -

 

OK, just kidding, the noise does go away in turns. I took the car out on a short drive today to try to figure out what is going on, and also noticed the sound is gone (or at least too quiet to hear) over 40mph.

I guess I am damned to replace the LF bearing.

Thanks for the help.