Hello all,
Here's my dilemma, hopefully somebody can help me figure this mess out. I have a 2009 LT with almost 89,000 miles on it. I live in Ga. and work in NYC so I do a fair amout of driving (appx. 30,000/yr). I recentlyeplaced my Continental extreme contact DWS after running them for 55,000 great, happy miles. They were very good tires and only at the end of their life did they get loud(buzzing sound). I did some research and , in an attempt to save a few bucks, I went with General Altimax HP's. I drove them for about 2,000 miles and they were so loud that I went back and had them taken off and purchased a brand new set of Conti's. I've now driven the new Conti's just about 2,000 miles and they too are loud as can be. I don't remember the first set being like this. If they were, I never would have kept them. So, I guess my questionn is this...What the hell else could it be? The buzzing sound starts at about 20 mph and gets louder, the faster you go. My wife was in the car with me and said it sounded like the car was in the wrong gear...:), It's an automatic. It is very noticable and really annoying especially on one of my 14 hr road trips to /from home. If anybody has had similiar issues or any suggestions they would be Much appreciated. I'd hate to have to go back and try a 3rd set of tires, they're going to think I'm nuts. Thanks in advance.

 

Sounds like wheel bearings to me.

 

My wife runs General Altimax HP on her Grand prix. Twice in the past year since buying them, my wife would complain about the tires getting loud. Both times I found a bad front wheel bearing. The tires are great. No complaints
I think you are going to find a bad front wheel bearing.

 

I'll have that looked at. Thank you very much.

 

Just thought of a follow up question. I'm on the road presently and bythe time I get home, I will have put another 2000 miles on the car. Is this something that will break down and leave me stranded? Is it something that I can have done when I get home? I'd hate to have to find a mechanic while in NY working....but by the same token, I don't want to wind up disabled on the side of the road either. Once again, thanks for the great advice.

 

get it looked at as soon as you can but you should be fine by the time u get home
just dont make any harsh turns because it if is the wheel bearing and depending on the extent of the wear on it, it could fail, but if it just started happening you should be fine until you get home..just take it easy

 

is there a grinding noise or just a "loud" noise? like can you feel it?

 

Well thanks to the folks on this forum, I did some checking on my wheel bearing problrm and found that it is covered under my 5 yr/ 100,000 mile warranty. So I just called the local chevy dealer and I'm getting it serviced on Monday AM. Thanks again for all your info & help. Happy Motoring...:)

 

once you get your bearing straight let us know if this did cure the problem, and happy HHR ing

 

Well folks, the front left bearing was the culprit. Had it replaced yesterday by Chevy dealer in NY and we're good to go again. It was, as reported here, covered under my 5 yr/ 100,000 mile powertrain warranty. I asked him to replace both sides, since I have 89,000 + and if 1 went, the other can't be far behind...but he stated he couldn't justify changing a properly working bearing preventitively. In any event, thanks to all on here for your help and insight. Happy Thanksgiving to everyone and their Families.