There is a kind of pulsating noise in the front end of my HHR. I thought it was worn tires but after replacing them the same noise is still there. It doesn't sound like a bad bearing. The pulsating increases with the speed of the car. Any ideas what might make this kind of sound up front? I recorded the sound but I don't think I can upload it here.

 

Noise that is speed variable is usually the hubs.
Before that check the rotors and pads.
Don't want to be like some people and never check the rotating parts.

 

X2 , I just changed the OEM hubs on mine, they did kinda sound like a tire thread whine. They were 9 years old and 130,000 miles. Loose ball joints contributed to a clicking noise while low speed cornering , they were also original and had no grease left in them

 

not for argue, but ...

Can a worn wheel bearing make a pulsating noise?
sually it is a howl, which can stop briefly when the car is turning (the damaged hub is unloaded for a short time) and resume when driving in a straight line.

Pulsing noise can result from:
1\ wear of the silent blocks of the front suspension arms;
2\ curved tires (cord break);
3\ faulty brake calipers;
there are more reasons.
You know, I'm not an expert, but it seems to me that I'm right now.

 

I'm with Lonwane, warped rotors. This sometimes happens from overtorqueing lug nuts, 100 lbs ft is the spec.

Much more often occurs due to failure to keep the rear brakes adjusted. The automatic adjusters don't really work. Adjustment should be checked at every oil change.

 

If the rotors are warped wouldn't that be felt in the brake pedal when braking?

As far as hubs I did have one of the front hubs changed a couple years ago; might be going out again.

 

It could be time for the other one, too...