Hundaya said:
I am wondering why it doesn't make any noise when I'm not accelerating.
I would figure that if it were a wheel bearing problem that it would
make noise even when I'm not accelerating--not sure.
Typically, wheel bearings make the most noise when loaded. So... a left
front wheel bearing will generally make the most noise when turning right,
as that is the time when the most weight and strain is placed on that
bearing. As well, they may make a more continuous noise when driving in a
straight line, but a more aggrivated noise when turning, depending upon the
state of wear and the nature of the wear.
Weight shifts to the rear during acceleration so for a wheel bear to either
make more noise or make less noise during acceleration would not surprise
me. Either scenario could be equally possible. One of the bigger factors
in determining if a wheel bearing is truly at fault is simply the change in
sounds under different conditions.
I have certainly seen plenty of wheel bearings that made noise while driving
straight down the road. Again - the nature of the symptom varies dependent
upon the actual failure inside the bearing assembly.