2001 Kia Optima Wheel Bearing Bad

“Hello… I drive a 2001 Kia Optima and when I am driving at speeds 45-50 I hear a humming sound. In the interior of the car I hear small vibrations. I have asked questions around and they tell me that it could be my wheel bearings that are going out. Help please I need my car to take me to school and work.”

Generally, wheel bearings will wear out one at a time and start making that humming sound the faster you go. So here’s and old trick: Find somewhere safe to drive fifty mph with no one around. Then gently turn the car to the left, and then to the right. If the noise quiets down a lot when turning left, then the right wheel bearing is worn. And vice versa, if you get quiet turning right, then the left wheel bearing is worn. So then you’d know what side it’s on. You’ve got to figure out front versus rear wheel bearing, so get someone else to drive the car and stick your head out the window to hear if the noise is coming from the front or the rear tire (though usually you can just tell by listening closely as the wheels are pretty far apart.)