Drove the wife's 17 Forester with almost 103k miles yesterday on a short roadtrip. Hadn't driven it on the freeway in a couple months. Nothing abnormal until I got just over 60. Then a very subtle droning noise. Typically we barely have the radio going but the little one was napping all we had it off. You could barely hear it over the tire and road noise but it's a definite "swarm of bees sound" that doesn't change when hitting different concrete/asphalt/new/old sections of the highway. So my hunch is either a bearing starting to go or something in the drivetrain. Had it out just now to fill with gas and buy some new wipers driving 45 in town and didn't notice the sound. 65 seemed to be the sweetspot. Which I found weird, because other cars with bad bearings I've driven are OBVIOUS at a wide range of speeds. But it's a very soft swarm of bees/helicoptery sound. Tires are fine. Any have experience with these and have any advice? I'm guessing the dealer will charge 2-4 hours of labor if I have both done and that's the problem they find. Until then, I told my wife to slow down and take the nearest exit to a gas station if it becomes super obvious. And told her to check the hubs with some quick touching in case they're hot when she gets to work and gets home. She commutes admit 35 miles highway speeds each way. My gut is until it's louder or creating heat (nothing was warm after our drive yesterday) we can probably not worry too much until after Thanksgiving...maybe a winter break drop off when we'll both have some time off and not need two cars.
Thoughts or ideas on what it might be or any other thoughts or advice, too.
Thanks!
Thoughts or ideas on what it might be or any other thoughts or advice, too.
Thanks!