Thumping noise while driving

[red stiva]

Tires can make a world of difference though.

[jamesmc]

Sorry for the late response. I appreciate everyones help. Anyway, I've tried all of the things recommended. Top strut nut is tight, driving next to a wall didn't reveal anything, and driving over a speed bump or pothole has no effect on the thump. However, the car now makes a terribly loud squeaking noise from the front when it starts to move. (Even if it's in neutral and I push the car from behind.) Could that be related? Or an entirely new problem? As for the tires, I need to save up a bit to get a full set of them.

[AKZack]

jamesmc, I think you have a dry, worn out wheel bearing! If you jack up the wheel and turn it, do you hear a grinding or bump sound as the wheel turns? Dry bearings, binding will certainly squeak. Good luck! Please let us know if you needed to change out your front bearings, both inner and outer, plus the race, of course. Front wheel bearings take a beating because they have to take on the sway and inertia of your moving vehicle in turns. And, they are not permanently lubed! Please bring us up to date as soon as you can.

[Britstiva]

jamesmc, I think you have a dry, worn out wheel bearing! If you jack up the wheel and turn it, do you hear a grinding or bump sound as the wheel turns? Dry bearings, binding will certainly squeak. Good luck! Please let us know if you needed to change out your front bearings, both inner and outer, plus the race, of course. Front wheel bearings take a beating because they have to take on the sway and inertia of your moving vehicle in turns. And, they are not permanently lubed! Please bring us up to date as soon as you can.

That was my guess too... Wheel bearing might be bad. Littlebluecar's bearings were bad and had actually squared off some of the ball bearings inside of the race... so when they actually did move, they'd "thump".

New tires wouldn't hurt either. I've got a Ford Freestyle that does the same thing when the tires get worn.

[jamesmc]

It's been a while but I just got this problem resolved. It got really bad, and needed to be fixed. A mechanic replaced the brake rotor, spindle, and axle and the problem is now gone. Rides nice and smooth.