Hi guys,

At any speed I hear a rotational rhythmic noise coming from the front of car in the cabin. Not acute as I can remember more noise in my car than others so I attributed to suspension (JICs).
It is definitely an issue now as its getting ridiculous. No driveability issues. I have a video of sound but unsure of how to upload it (pointers?) I would say tires but tread is 50% on front though been on track last year.

JICs (good condition) - I installed 5 years ago.
Fronts are older 50% PS2s 245/35/19s tracked twice
Rears are new PSS 30/30/19s tracked once

Bearings? Front diff?

 

Does the noise change or become more apparent when turning? Does it vary with speed (know you said you hear it at any speed)?

 

Doesn't really change with steering as I drove slow with windows down to test it. Louder with speed it seems.

 

Does noise go away when clutch is pushed or in neutral? May just be wheel bearing.

 

Thanks for responses guys. Depressing clutch/ trans in neutral - noise remains except tad louder without engine noise.

 

Im not an expert mechanic but sounds like it isnt drivetrain related if it really doesnt vary by engine speed, clutch in/out, or turning.

 

How many miles are on the car?

 

63k miles

 

front right... looks like moving part. shield is touching the rotor? had weird noise ones, and a small rock got between shield and the rotor. but thats different i guess, lift the front up, so front wheels are off the ground, rotate them, see if noise is there.

what about if you driving and turn right and left, while the car is moving.. find a huge parking lot to test it

 

Probably a wheel bearing.

 

Thanks is a bad front wheel bearing evident by the typical "free play" test method like we do on other cars? Anyone had a bad front bearing?

 

Have to agree with those who offered "wheel bearings". Based on what you posted that's what it "sounds" like...

Wheel bearings are tricky. You may not be able to notice any difference in bearing play between a bad bearing and a good bearing.

But you should try this regardless as the bearing might be advanced enough to manifest excessive play.

On the outside chance -- give the front tires a feel for any feathering or signs of scrubbing. A mild front wheel alignment issue had my 2003 Turbo front tires howling at highway speeds to the point I thought a wheel bearing was out but it proved to just be tires/alignment. An alignment had the noise gone after the tires wore a bit more adapting to the new alignment settings.

While you have the car in the air of course carefully inspect the cardan shaft for any excessive play and the front (and rear) diff and its seals for any leak sign and the front (and rear) CV boots for any splits or tears.