What's that noise?

95 Riv. Supercharged.

I am experiencing peculiar sounds and sensations under acceleration, mild or otherwise. The sound emanates from the front left. I at first thought it was the tire. Discount tires said it could be it because tires after some time can separate. However, I bought four new kumho ecsta 732 - which are the bomb compared to the old Uniroyal Tiger Paws, they turn in more responsively and provide a slightly firmer ride, wet performance has yet to be determined. The problems persists. This is what it sounds like - you know when you are driving down the freeway and you drift towards the shoulder there are those ripplie strips you hit? Its that noise. And it can happen at any speed. I've had it happen at 20mph and at 65 mph. The steering wheel also vibrates and it seems to pull ever so slightly to the left. It doesn't tug at the wheel, but you can definitely feel it.

Could it be the airfilter? That is the only thing I can think of in that area which could make a low resonating, hollow type of sound. It does not have a metallic sound to it at all. It is driving me nuts!

BTW- I bought a repair manual for my Riv off eBay. So I will be well prepared for any recommendations - just about.

It sounds like a wheel bearing(but that's just my guess). Does the noise go away if you turn it left or right? Does it get worse when turning in one particular direction?

The noise only seems to occur on the straight ahead. I have not paid attention to what it does when I turn. I have had bearing noises before and this does not sound like it, unless of course Buick bearings are different from others.

Ok. So it's al,most definitely an engine noise of some sort. Do you know what a belt moise sounds like, it doesn't sound like that? I'm not too familiar with blowers, so I don't know what kind of noises they would make. If you want to try this: get a long screwdriver(a foot or longer would be good), and with your ear on the handle, just start poking aroung. Touch the alternator, blower, PS pump, etc. The noise should emanate from a specific area. I hope this helps.

I haven't tried that technique this time to locate the noise. There would be one problem doing it though. The noise happens when I am moving!

I think, stress the word think, I have solved the problem. I changed air filters. When I opened up the airbox, I took out two handfuls of leaves! And the filter was grey. Couldn't see hardly any white. So I bought a Fram filter for $7.00 and took it for a run. The noise seems to have gone away. For now that is. I will have to drive it more to see what the result is though.

Thanks.

Cool. Never heard of that. I hope it works out for you.