Last week I noticed a buzzing sound coming from the rear of the car. I am trying to figure out what it might be and how to tell for sure before trying to fix it. Searching the web I get that it's either a wheel bearing or the rear differential/central driveshaft.
Here is what I know. Back in October (about 4-5k miles ago) I hit a curb and damaged the front right tire. When I took it in to the tire place they said the tread depth was right at the 2/32" difference restriction. I think it was just a hair more. The new tire was 11/32" and the other tires were at about 8.5/32". The tire dealer said that it should be fine. They were aware of the Subaru recommendations on replacing tires and since they had incentive to try to sell me four tires instead of just replacing the one I figured they were being honest. So this does raise the possibility of the rear differential wearing out prematurely.
Right after the tire being replaced I noticed a pulsing humming sound coming from the front right wheel above 40mph that goes away when I turn right and gets worse when turning left. I suspect that is a wheel bearing.
Now I am hearing a new sound that sounds like a buzz at about 25mph and can't hear it as well at interstate speeds. I have not noticed a change when turning. It does sound as though it may be coming from the left side. My finances son sat in the middle seat in the back and said he also thought it was coming from the left side behind him. The sound only changes with speed and not acceleration or rpms. Putting it in neutral also makes no change in the sound.
Is there some other ways to determine for certain what is the cause? My dad has a lift I could use to lift the car and put it in gear if that might help diagnose it.
If it is the rear differential, what would likely need to be done to fix it?
Here is what I know. Back in October (about 4-5k miles ago) I hit a curb and damaged the front right tire. When I took it in to the tire place they said the tread depth was right at the 2/32" difference restriction. I think it was just a hair more. The new tire was 11/32" and the other tires were at about 8.5/32". The tire dealer said that it should be fine. They were aware of the Subaru recommendations on replacing tires and since they had incentive to try to sell me four tires instead of just replacing the one I figured they were being honest. So this does raise the possibility of the rear differential wearing out prematurely.
Right after the tire being replaced I noticed a pulsing humming sound coming from the front right wheel above 40mph that goes away when I turn right and gets worse when turning left. I suspect that is a wheel bearing.
Now I am hearing a new sound that sounds like a buzz at about 25mph and can't hear it as well at interstate speeds. I have not noticed a change when turning. It does sound as though it may be coming from the left side. My finances son sat in the middle seat in the back and said he also thought it was coming from the left side behind him. The sound only changes with speed and not acceleration or rpms. Putting it in neutral also makes no change in the sound.
Is there some other ways to determine for certain what is the cause? My dad has a lift I could use to lift the car and put it in gear if that might help diagnose it.
If it is the rear differential, what would likely need to be done to fix it?