Weird humming when turning?
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 7,702
Likes: 17,167
From: MA
Weird humming when turning?
Good afternoon, so, I have this odd question, and am hoping that someone here can point me in the right direction for help.
I ride an 02 RKC, and have Dunlop tires on the front. The front tire probably has about 10k miles on it, maybe less. Certainly no more. Its a spoke rim, so its tubed. I noticed, while riding a LOT this weekend, that, when I lean into a left turn, there is a weird, what can only be described as humming, from the front tire. It happens when I lean into a left turn as well, but I dont think I am as aggressive turning right, as I am left. There is plenty of tread on the tire, and I havent noticed anything unusual other than that. No vibrations or anything else. I dont have access to a garage, or a lift, to check for spin. My concern is its the wheel bearings, but I am not that mechanically inclined, so I'm coming here for some advice for where to look.
At first I thought maybe thats simply the sound of the tires in a different area contacting the ground, but I honestly dont know. This was really the first time I noticed it, and it seems to only make that noise at speeds between 35-45 mph. Higher than that, its either too loud for me to notice, or it doesnt happen. Slower than that, it doesnt do it that I can hear.
I ride an 02 RKC, and have Dunlop tires on the front. The front tire probably has about 10k miles on it, maybe less. Certainly no more. Its a spoke rim, so its tubed. I noticed, while riding a LOT this weekend, that, when I lean into a left turn, there is a weird, what can only be described as humming, from the front tire. It happens when I lean into a left turn as well, but I dont think I am as aggressive turning right, as I am left. There is plenty of tread on the tire, and I havent noticed anything unusual other than that. No vibrations or anything else. I dont have access to a garage, or a lift, to check for spin. My concern is its the wheel bearings, but I am not that mechanically inclined, so I'm coming here for some advice for where to look.
At first I thought maybe thats simply the sound of the tires in a different area contacting the ground, but I honestly dont know. This was really the first time I noticed it, and it seems to only make that noise at speeds between 35-45 mph. Higher than that, its either too loud for me to notice, or it doesnt happen. Slower than that, it doesnt do it that I can hear.
Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 519
Likes: 83
From: NC
What you’re describing is indicative of a cupped tire or a bad wheel bearing. I’d look more at a cupped tire seeing as you’ve got 10,000 miles on it. Look at the tread on the outer edge and run your fingers over it. If the tread looks and feels uneven, then your tire is cupped.
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,800
Likes: 307
From: Houston, Texas
Another vote for a tire cupping. I've had the same thing several times as I'm lazy and don't check tire pressure often. I also spend most of my time going straight so the tires wear flat and aren't as smooth transitioning to a curve. Run your hand up and down the tire. It should be smooth both ways but I bet you can probably feel it catch your hand in one direction but not the other showing that it's starting to cup. If it's not bad, I wouldn't worry about it too much but change the bearings at the next tire change for peace of mind. They are cheap and minimal labor since the wheel is already off for the tire.
Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 118
Likes: 8
From: Texas
I've got the same hum the OP does....the Dunlops as well. Guess I'd better check my tires....might be time for some new ones. The bike has less than 7K on them, so I'm going to assume they are the original tires although they look like they have quite a bit of tread left on them.
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Advanced
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 69
Likes: 19
From: Ohio
If you have more than 5k on your tires they are going to start to sing in the corners. All bikes and all tires do it. Check your tire pressure often and your bearings when you change your tires.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,344
Likes: 173
From: Watertown, CT
crowned roads here in CT. so always riding on a slant. My left side is cupped and the right side isn't . New tires will wear the same way.
Options are to move somewhere the roads are flat.
Options are to move somewhere the roads are flat.
