www.ultimatehandyman.co.uk

Hi,

I own a 2004 1.6 Ford Focus Zetec. 



Recently I have noticed a noise I’d not heard before. It seems like it’s coming from the back of the car and from inside the car, while driving, the noise sounds like when a motorbike is driving near you or a distant propellor plane. It starts getting quite prominent at around 25mph and gets louder the faster you go. I have noticed it has more to do with speed than engine revs, as when I take my foot off the gas I can still hear it and it gets quieter as the car slows down. 
The only thing changed recently in the car is a newly installed rear tyre.
Any ideas? 

Thanks!

Probably a wheel bearing it makes an annoying noise at certain speeds. Not terminal if you can find a cheap mechanic to do it see https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K1kCS2b8oR4

DWD

Hole in the exhaust is my suggestion.

As DWD says, could be a wheel bearing. Might be a noisy tyre as well. Some are noisier than others. Try putting the spare on if you have one. See if it the noise goes.

If the noise is unrelated to engine revs then it must be something in the drive train. Wheel bearings can make some odd noises, could be a worn bushing, could be that the new tyre you got is not balanced properly.

Jack up the rear of the car and spin the tyres manually, you can normally feel/hear dodgy bearings doing this.

First thing to check would be tightness of wheel nuts.

The sound changes with speed = classic wheel bearing (a humming sound) - A garage will be able to tell in minutes of putting it in the air, if the bearings haven't been changed before there way over due - if the bearings are good look at the tires age, type, wear and/or get them balanced

If your are getting the job done get them to fit decent bearings not cheap crap otherwise a year - 18 months you will be doing them/it again, never had a issue with a SKF bearing

I'd go with tyre. My Mazda 3 has drone like sounds from the rear. All bearings are good and even different tyres have the same noise just different volume levels. Only notice it above 30 mph

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