Fixing an Annoying Noise From My Car's Wheel.

For the past month I have heard a resonant groaning noise from my rear wheel while driving on the highway. The noise stopped anytime I changed lanes but resumed right afterwards.

I started on the left wheel and spun it but I really needed to get to the hub.

Step 1: The Left Hub.

Spinning it freely and pulling pushing it, I found no issues. I reinstated the wheel and went to the other side.

Step 2: The Right Hub.

This hub has a play when I pulled pushed on it. I needed to access the hub spindle nut to fix this issue.

Step 3: The Fix!

Using my torque meter, at a value of 181Nm as per the Honda civic 1999 manual, I torqued the nut. It was clearly slack. I staved the spindle nut and reinstalled the wheel.

A test drive proved pleasurable. No groaning noise!

Comments

[oldorf]

You should never work on a car when it is on a flimsy jack like the one shown in the picture. They are just not save. Support the car with some wooden blocks or get yourself an axle stand - they are dirt cheap.

[Mjtrinihobby]

If I'm working under the vehicle then yes I will use the safety stands. Otherwise I put the tire near the car jack as a safety pad.

[madmedic22]

Honestly sounds like a wheel bearing going bad. If it is, you've bought yourself a few miles, but it's important that you replace it. A wheel bearing giving out can cause you to lose control of your car.

[Meatlove]

My thoughs exactly.