Howling sound from front wheel

[Thrasher]

After my car has sat for about 3 weeks while I diagnosed/replaced the flywheel sensors after a stranding/tow, I finally took it out between thunderstorms last night.

I started to hear a strange "howling" noise around 25-30 mph. If I had to guess, I'd say it was eminating from the right front wheel area, but possible from either front wheel. It comes and goes, but seems to only happen at that speed, so I don't know if braking is actually removing it, or just making it go away because I'm going slower.

My first reaction would be to guess wheel bearings, but the right front had new wheel bearings installed just a few years ago by the PO after an incident that got the strut, shock, ball joint, a-arm all replaced. I can't find the work order, but I'm pretty sure they did the bearings at that time. I haven't had time yet to pull the wheel, but it felt solid last time I checked it.

It's strong enough that I'm feeling a resonant vibration thru the steering wheel when it happens.

I'm going to check the bearings tonight and probably go ahead and replace my pads/rotors since I've had the parts ready to go for over a year. My current rotors/pads aren't "shot" but still had enough life left in them that I figured it could wait. My braking is good, no pulling to either side

I don't think it's the rack, but I will check/lube the U joints for good measure

Any other things I should check?

[Oh Haha]

Does it go away when applying the brakes? if so, you most likely have a sticking caliper. Mine did the same thing. Very strange sensation, isn't it?
No biggie,though. Just rebuild your calipers and be on your way. Do a search here under" rebuilding calipers" or "sticking calipers" and you will find hours of entertainment and info.
If braking doesn't change the sound, I would look at your wheels bearings again, even thgouh they were done once. they may just need to be repacked and adjusted.

[Thrasher]

Well, yes and no. It does, but it may be coincidence, because it also goes away if I get away from the 25 mph range in either direction. Really just like a resonant frequency.

I did have the entire right front suspension apart a month ago replacing my crossmember. But I thought I got it all back together ok and it wasn't doing this before.

[msterling]

My 88 does about the same thing, but not all the time. That is the speed too. I'm told by the repair shop that it is a slightly dragging caliper. I think it hits a resonance point at that speed. Mine is the right front. Unless it is dragging really hard and wearing the pads I wouldn't worry too much. A rebuild and cleanup should fix it.

[Thrasher]

Forgot to post the resolution. MSterling's mechanic was correct - the RF caliper was dragging.

I had never done this job on any car, but it was pretty simple.
All in all everything was in pretty good shape, but for one small tear in the caliper dust seal, which had allowed moisture/crud to enter the piston/caliper. It all pretty much cleaned up nicely just using brake fluid and Brakeleen as solvents.

• Rebuilt both front calipers
  Replaced rotors and pads
  Replaced rubber brake lines
  Cleand and painted calipers silver with VHT rattle can caliper paint
  Re-packed wheel bearings
  Removed dust shields
  Refill/bleed brake fluid.

By far the worst of it was removing the old rubber lines from the solid lines - be careful! Use a flare wrench and cut the rubber line if necessary to help in removal.

Of course, now my rears are looking shabby, but performing well. I suppose I'll rebuild them in the cold weather season just to be sure.

I took pix of some of it, but don't have them handy.