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149 Posts
Hey all,
I've been a lurker for the most part (contributing to the occasional post, but mostly just looking at all the archives and resources), however my 2013 is having an issue I'd really appreciate the experts' feedback on.
During the past week, a friend and I took a roadtrip from Detroit, MI to Denver, CO. We drove straight through both ways with minimal stops (pretty much just for gas). We also *may* have been going *slightly* over the speed limit through many of the vast expanses of nothingness through the middle of the United States. I mention this because I believe it may have something to do with the problem. While out in Colorado, we took the Volt to all of our destinations, including Pike's Peak and Mt. Evans (using Mountain Mode the entire time, and I'm glad I did!) The car was doing great averaging about 32 mpg (no charging opportunities, no problem!). When we finally got back to Michigan after driving for hours on end at a high speed in 100*F weather, upon exiting the freeway, I heard a loud growl or rumble coming from the passenger side wheel. It varies in pitch based on speed (higher speed = higher pitch), and does not matter if the engine is running or not. In addition, I also attempted to coast and shift into neutral to see if the issue is in the transmission, but it made no difference. My first thought is the wheel bearing. The car has 120,000 miles now, and I suspect that the high speeds combined with the high temperatures combined with hours on the road may have lead to the bearing's demise. When I got home, I jacked up the car and felt for any slop in the wheel, and there was none. It still tracks straight and the tires have no signs of anything wrong. I also noticed if while driving I "roll" the vehicle by quickly pulling to the left (putting more weight on the passenger side), the noise becomes more intense, and nearly disappears if I go to the right. Before I go out and order a new wheel bearing, is there anything else I should check to confirm it? Thanks everyone for all your feedback! I've learned so much about this car through the archives on this site and is much appreciated!
I've been a lurker for the most part (contributing to the occasional post, but mostly just looking at all the archives and resources), however my 2013 is having an issue I'd really appreciate the experts' feedback on.
During the past week, a friend and I took a roadtrip from Detroit, MI to Denver, CO. We drove straight through both ways with minimal stops (pretty much just for gas). We also *may* have been going *slightly* over the speed limit through many of the vast expanses of nothingness through the middle of the United States. I mention this because I believe it may have something to do with the problem. While out in Colorado, we took the Volt to all of our destinations, including Pike's Peak and Mt. Evans (using Mountain Mode the entire time, and I'm glad I did!) The car was doing great averaging about 32 mpg (no charging opportunities, no problem!). When we finally got back to Michigan after driving for hours on end at a high speed in 100*F weather, upon exiting the freeway, I heard a loud growl or rumble coming from the passenger side wheel. It varies in pitch based on speed (higher speed = higher pitch), and does not matter if the engine is running or not. In addition, I also attempted to coast and shift into neutral to see if the issue is in the transmission, but it made no difference. My first thought is the wheel bearing. The car has 120,000 miles now, and I suspect that the high speeds combined with the high temperatures combined with hours on the road may have lead to the bearing's demise. When I got home, I jacked up the car and felt for any slop in the wheel, and there was none. It still tracks straight and the tires have no signs of anything wrong. I also noticed if while driving I "roll" the vehicle by quickly pulling to the left (putting more weight on the passenger side), the noise becomes more intense, and nearly disappears if I go to the right. Before I go out and order a new wheel bearing, is there anything else I should check to confirm it? Thanks everyone for all your feedback! I've learned so much about this car through the archives on this site and is much appreciated!