Short Thread...

WORN OUT/UNLUBRICATED WHEEL HUBS

So you're on the highway and as soon as the car nears 100kph a humming/whining starts from the rear and intensifies the faster you drive...

WHAT COULD BE THE PROBLEM??

WORN OUT WHEEL HUBS

Wheel hubs connects the rotating wheel assembly to the solid axle and as such it contains bearings and grease to make that process as smooth and as frictionless.

However over time the bearings can wear out or grease dries up and friction starts hence the hum

SYMPTOMS

1.Snapping, clicking or popping-worn out cv-joint
2.Humming, rumbling or growling
3.Wheel vibration and/or wobble
4.Side pull when brakes are applied
5.Uneven rotor or brake pad wear(could also be a bad caliper)
6.Abnormal/uneven tire wear
7.Some cars will display ABS

EFFECTS ON THE CAR

Whereas I can't classify this as a critical problem since the wheel assembly of most cars is quite robust.
If left unattended for long, the bearings can fail completely and strand u

The immediate impact is fuel economy, tire wear, wear of connecting parts...

WHAT TO DO

If the humming is relatively "recent" (<6 mnths) you can lubricate the hub yourself. It can be a DIY task.

All you need is
1. Hub grease 500/=
2. Flat screw driver
3. Mallet/hammer
4. Jack

IF THE HUMMING DOESN'T STOP?

Well it's time to change the whole hub.
Have a good mechanic check the bearings for shavings and uneven bearings first.
Hubs are relatively cheap compared to what they do and how important they are.
2nd hand can go from 5k to 15k depending on vehicle

TAKEAWAY.

1. Be aware of your vehicle and vigilant of any new strange sounds
2. Greasing the Hubs is actually a service item. It should be done every 10k kms
3. Avoid hitting potholes and kerbs at high speed
4. Do not overload