Just noticed my 06 HHR has developed a humming noise at interstate speeds. It's only there at the 60-75mph range. Doesn't make a sound at normal city driving. It sounds like I'm dragging something, but there's nothing I can see hanging down.

I can tell that it's a front end noise, and it sounds like it's coming from the engine compartment. I've noticed no issues with performance, rough idling, check enginge warnings, or transmission problems. I have only noticed some added exhaust noise. Is it possible I have an exhaust issue?

 

Check the flex pipe, beginning of the exhaust system, right at the engine manifold.....

 

Front Hub bearing...

 

I'm with Greybeard on this from the description.

 

thanks for the suggestions. I'm taking it in and having the service folks check both issues. I'm leaning towards a front hub bearing based on what I've pulled up on Google searches, but the exhaust has me wondering too.

 

When you turn to left or right is more noticeable?

 

I do hear a noise at lower speeds when I turn left - it sounds like the right front is making the noise. That noise has me thinking that it's the hub bearing more so than the exhaust.

Anyone know what it should run me to get the hub bearing replaced?

 

My flex pipe did break. Get a good flashlight and look down behind the air filter, you will see an accordion type of connecter from the header to the exhaust pipe, that's it you should be able to feel around it for cracks and look for the header gasket being blown. And then there is the cat itself, do you have emission testing?

The body shop idiot put a chain pull on the exhaust after I go rear ended instead of getting under the car. The good news is I think that the 06 does not include the cat on the down pipe, and even if it does you can go cat-less in many states.

My 08 has 2 oxy sensors so it threw codes, I think the 06 only has one so you may not get a code.

Hub bearing noise doesn't vary, and it definitely is not a hum! People will be looking at you on the highway, because they ROAR. Other humming noise could be tires/alignment, wheel covers, alternator, serpentine belt/idler, water pump, A/C, the SuperCharger (that some tuner snuck up and installed in the middle of the night, the Bas**rds). OOps left out brake pads have gone past the "change me" noise. And now I see you include the low speed turn, that indicates axle bearing. I meant to type axle CV joints.

 

Hub bearing will cost over $200 for parts + labor. Axles will be about the same per side, maybe less for the part, on a 06, worth it to combine and negotiate labor.

 

I had this, but when I made turns to the right. However, check both hub bearings. In my case, I thought that was the driver side, but was the passenger. Here is a quick DIY. You´ll need:

29 mm axle nut socket (I bought it at autozone).
A break bar (2 ft long min to make the removal easier)
15 mm socket
WD40 or something similar
a wood plank, or a rubber hammer.

1. Lift your car and Remove the stock wheel.
2. Put the spare tire (this will show you the axle nut).
3. With the car on the floor, remove the axle nut with the break bar and the 29 mm socket.
4. Lift again the car and remove the spare tire.
5. Remove the Brake calliper and brake pads and hang the calliper with a wire on the spring. Take care with brake fluid hoses.
6. Remove the Frame that holds the brake pads from the knuckle. You´ll need here the 15 mm socket.
7. Remove the brake rotor.
8. Now you can see the Hub bearing. Apply WD40 on the screws, and remove them with the 15 mm socket.
9. Disconnect the ABS connector (if equiped) with a nail pliers.
10. Now, with the wood plank or rubber hammer, apply a little amount of force on the axle, to remove it from the bearing. In my case, I didn´t use these. This came out very easy. You can use an Axle tool to remove it.
11. Instalation is reverse.

I hope this helps you.