Strange sound questions

[georgeramos]

Ive noticed a low whine (kind of like a hoooooooooooooooooot) owl hoot but much longer coming from the front wheel(s). Yesterday i had my wheels re-aligned/balanced and this morning as the car rolled down my driveway in neutral the sound was louder than ever before. It seems to die down at speed although perhaps i just cant hear it over wind/motor etc. It also seems to happen more when the car is cold.

Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

thanks

george

[RRoller123]

dragging brake pads? overtightened wheel bearing?

[4uall]

perhaps you ran over an owl and he is stuck in the rim

[RRoller123]

squeeking ball joint or tie rod end?

[bobplyler]

To check if it's the brakes dragging, does the sound go away when the brakes are pressed? This could also indicate the wheel bearings, as putting on the brakes may move the hub a little. Does the sound change as the speed changes?

[Exit98]

I'm guessing front wheel bearings, and if you don't have any idea if they've ever been changed it sure couldn't hurt to do them or have them done. Not to expensive or complicated and so routine that the local gas station could do it as well.

[georgeramos]

It seems to go away completely at speed. It is only audible under 5mph or so
At first I ought it was steering or suspension related as it was noticeable at slow speed turns but now I heard it as I rolled down driveway in neutral with the wheels straight. Could it possibly be the dust shields making contact with the rim? The sound strikes me as something that might make. Kind of a loud yaw. I know I described it as a hoot. I checked for feathers but no dice...

Thanks

[4uall]

if it is the wheel bearings this video my help

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3LC9MxUC ... ature=plcp

nice to see you checked for feathers

[RRoller123]

Jack up the front end and spin the tires and see what you get. And if the wheel bearings are causing the problem, you should probably feel some heat from them after a drive. They can be warm but shouldn't be hot. Dragging brakes will actually do this too.

[narfire]

As mentioned jack up the offending side. As well as spinning them, grab the top and bottom of the wheel and push/pull. Any movement? Take the wheel off, pop the grease cap and have a look.. any metal?
Take wheel off and have a look at the brakes.