Questions and Answers

Dodge Grand Caravan Is A Hummer Q. Hello! I read an answer to this problem on your site, but I am still baffled. 2000 Dodge Grand Caravan 3.1 Liter EFI V-6 Automatic transmission 62,000 Miles ABS brakes P/S, A/C, cruise control Rack and pinion steering

My Caravan has a humming noise coming from the back the gets louder the faster you go, and has gotten worse over the last two months. Usually I do all the maintenance myself, but this one baffles me. Since it started I put new tires on all wheels, and today I removed the luggage rack per your suggestion. Neither has helped.

My mechanic who does all of the major work suggested the wheel bearings. I've done a lot of different work on cars and vans, but I'm wondering if this is a project I should take on, or if there is something else I should look at like the rear brakes or drums that could be causing the noise. I appreciate any information.

The sound always happens and almost sounds like something rubbing because the volume fluctuates rapidly, and becomes more rapid the faster you go. I have taken the rear wheels off, but there is nothing that is obviously rubbing.

Thanks!
Jeff

A. There's a small joke about cars humming, a very small joke, but I think I'll spare you the groan.

If you are 100% sure it is not a tire noise, then it is probably the rear wheel bearings. The procedure is different for FWD or AWD vehicles.

I'm going to assume this is a FWD vehicle. I think you would have told me if it were AWD. For a FWD vehicle, the rear wheel bearing and hub is an assembly and has to be replaced as a unit. You need to remove the rear wheel speed sensor and tone wheel for the ABS.

Then remove the four bolts holding the hub/bearing assembly in. It should come out by hand but sometimes rust and dirt can hold it in. You don't really want to beat on it too much.

Put the new hub/bearing assembly on and start the axle mounting bolts. Tighten the axle mounting bolts in a cries-cross pattern until the hub/bearing and brake support plate is fully and squarely seated onto flange of rear axle.

Install the tone wheel and the speed sensor.