2000 Grand Prix 115ooo miles

[Kaj2970]

Just recently noticed a humming noise going down the road. The car is an automatic v6 no problems shifting into geArs. I had a computer reading and it said torque converter. How do I know If this is what it is without spending a crazy amount of money because I'm a female. Just sayin! It does get louder as the car speeds up, but then goes away if I'm going under 20 mph.

Thank you I'd advance

[Bluemagic]

Torque converter shouldn't make noise. You may have a bad hub bearing. Abs or tac light on?

[Aaronfrom]

i agree with BlueMagic, it sounds like a wheel hub. i just replaced one of mine by myself for 208$ + tax. there are lots of videos on youtube explain the symptoms of this issue and even how to fix it yourself. Hope you get it fixed soon!

[Jtiger360]

Torque converter shouldn't make noise. You may have a bad hub bearing. Abs or tac light on?

2x.. my 97 Grand AM GT had a bad torque converter and it made no noise.

[SlowNA06]

Humming may also be the fluid in the power steering reservoir getting low. This is located behind/below the alternator on a 3800, or front top left on a 3400. It has a steering wheel and some waves printed on it. The cap has a little dipstick on it - dry it off, put it back in, pull it back out, and check the fluid level against the lines on the dipstick. If you have a 3800, you will requite a long, skinny funnel to fill it.

[Kaj2970]

Ok, thats a huge relief! I thought I was going to have to replace the transmission. phew! I was told that it could be the wheel bearing as well. When I turn the noise stops.

Thank you sooo much.

How much of a problem is this now? Wheel bearing?

[Utter99]

It's not huge but it's a good idea to get it taken care of as soon as time permits

Hell I rode on a bad bearing for about 3 weeks before I had time to do it . The job takes less then an hour

[SlowNA06]

Does the noise go away when turning in both directions? Or just one of the two?

A bad wheel wearing will be fine until the wheel stops turning, which can take quite a long time.

What a bad wheel bearing sounds like - YouTube
I'm posting this video just so you know what sound you're looking at. I don't recommend running a car on jackstands. If you're going to jack it up, just shake the wheel. If it wiggles, the bearing is shot.
How to Find a Bad Wheel Bearing - EricTheCarGuy - YouTube
This video shows you what a bad bearing looks like even when there's no play.
How To Find If A Wheel Bearing Is Bad - YouTube