All,
I just brought my 99XC to the dealer to replace the altinator, serp belt, inspection, and tire rotation. About 200 miles after the service, a nasty sound develops from the front passenger wheel well. The sound is audible at about 25 mph and gets louder on the highway. It really sounds like the wheel is going to roll right off the car. My question is: Could this be a result of faulty rotation? The tires are only 5 months old and I never hit anything to make this noice begin. Any ideas?
-Todd

 

It could be a bad tire. The tire could be feathered. Feel the edge of the tire and see if it feels smooth.

 

Thanks Tech!
I'll check tomorrow morning, but I do question why it never did it before. These are brand new Goodyear Assurance TripleTread tires that have been awesome. Could something be knocked out of whack when they rotated them?

 

I doubt it. If they feel funny you might want to stop by a Good year Dealer and have them look at them. If there is a defect they might replace it.

When tires like that are on the back you will never or almost never hear that noise. They become loud when put on the front.

 

Tech,
The tire seems pretty smooth. Could the noise (actually a loud humming noise) come from the new serpentine belt that was installed? The reason I ask is because in addition to the noise the car also seems hesitant to move at times. The pick up is slightly sluggish (almost as if the parking break is engaged) as well.
-Todd

 

I doubt the noise is from the belt. Either one of the tires are bad or the Front wheel bearing is bad.

You can go back to the dealer and see if they will swap them back to the way they were and if the noise goes away you know it is the tires.

 

Thanks Tech. Your analysis makes perfect sense. I'm bringing it in tomorrow afternoon, so I'll let you know what the problem is. While it is being fixed, I'm going to test drive the 04 XC90!
-Todd

 

We will be waiting to hear from you.

 

I just looked at the triple treads, and they appear to possibly be unidirectional tires. If that's the case, that could be the reason for the noise. Just simply have them switch the noisy tires to the other side of the car.

 

The dealer said that my problem was the wheel bearing, and unfortunately not some of the other issues that you all recommended. Something told me it would be the most expensive solution to my problem! Anyway, he wants $375 for parts and labor, but I held off since I am very interested in an XC90 and may purchase one this weekend. Tech--you made the right call, it was the wheel bearing.
-todd

 

Glad I could help.