Rear wheel noise - any ideas

[watchman]

I read through the threads about motor mounts and wheel bearings, but I am unsure what is going on in my rear end.

There is a lot of speed dependent growling that comes from the rear. Up until a few months ago it was louder around right corners than left, but now its just plain loud above 40 mph.

At speed, most of the noise goes away when the brakes are applied - would this mean bearings?

Unfortunately, most of the noise is now creating buzzing throughout the rear of the cockpit. And I used to worry about wind noise!

... watchman

'00 S

[wvicary]

Wheel bearing/tire noise is very deceptive at times. What is the condition of the rear tires? The cheapest route is to see if you can swap rear tires with someone else.

[juniinc]

worn out tire noise should sound a little different , try to throw your spare tire? see what happens?

If it was the bad wheel bearing - it will make a sqealing sound, grinding humming noise usually...it will change sound as u turn...buzzing

Grab the tire at the top and bottom and move the tire back and forth, if there is any play (looseness) the wheel bearing could be bad.

[ashleyisagirlsname]

I have the same problem in my 2000 Boxster S. I can tell that the sound is coming from the rear and it's like a whinning noise that increases with speed. I changed out my summer rims and tires for my winter ones (brand new rubber) a few months back and the noise is still there. I am 99% sure it's a wheel bearing. Sunset sells the rear bearing for $58.47. Anyone know how many hours a mechanic would (should) bill to swap it out? I would do it myself but don't have a puller (almost $300).

[RFM]

Approx. 1h30 each side.