Hey guys, my '96 Blazer makes a odd hum or vibration when driving between 45 and 60 mph, it is at it's worst right in the middle of that speed range, then becomes less noticeable. Either because it is gone, or because road/wind noise muffles it lol

It's hard to describe the noise, it is kind of like driving around with big mud tires.

In any case I was thinking wheel bearings, but since it is in a specific speed range, I'm kind of stumped .

Any thoughts would be appreciated

Cheers !

 

Is your 96 a 4WD or a 2WD? How many miles? Have you had your tires balanced?

 

It's a 4 x 4, 4 door. Has about 100 000 miles.

It doesn't feel like a wheel balance issues, usually you would feel that in the seat or steering.

This is more like a deep rumbling than a vibration.

 

I will put my money on rear U-joint. I would check them all just to be safe, but that sounds like a joint to me. Does it clunk when you go from reverse to drive?

 

Try turning and holding a corner at the speed that its most noticeable. You will have to do this in both directions and if it goes away turning one direction or the other chances are its the wheel bearing on whatever the inside is.

 

Thanks guys, those are two good things to check. I will listen for clunking noise when switching from reverse to forward. As for the wheel bearing test... I'll have to find a safe place to hold turns at 55 mph hehe.

 

Even a quick jerk may do it but be safe about it obviously!

 

i get a humming noise around the speeds above. It when the rpms are low becasue my Torque Converter Clutch engages at 45. IDK exactly what makers the noise, its doesn't shake and U joints seem good so I'm just gonna leave it.

So is it only directly related to speed? if you downshift it into 3rd will it still do it?

 

Gomli, does the noise change if you select 4WD? Don't leave it in 4WD any longer than it takes to determine if the noise goes away.

 

Hey guys, these are all great things I will have to test out. Down shifting might be a little tricky at those speed as rpm's will most likely red line. As for 4x4, I can try that for sure.

Problem right now is that it is not insured or plated hehe. I am waiting to sell my Bens before putting this guy back on the road.

So I do really appreciate all the good tests and info regarding this, and I promise I will have answers to all these as soon as I put my badboy back on the road :-)

This forum is awesome, I get zero help on my Focus and Fusion forums lol

Happy Friday !!!