Loud Tire Noise

[hcfb]

I purchased a used 2002 XLT V8 in July of 2006 with 48k miles on it. About 6 months ago after a tire roatation I started to hear a loud thumping noise coming from my tires. The noise becomes faster as I pick up speed and slows down to a slow thump thump thump as I come to a stop. I have been told there might be a broken steel belt in one or two of the tires, does this sound right? If so is it still safe to drive with the tires in this condition, or should I change the tires immediately. Thanks

 

[drake437]

This is fairly common problem (slipped belts), not a safety issue (as far as I know) just annoying. I would guess the tire shop cross-rotated your tires, this will exacerbate the problem. If this is the problem cross the tires back and keep them on that same side always (this may take some trial and error). Without seeing the tires another cause could be cupping or uneven tire wear on the edges of the tires that rotated to the front. Check for uneven wear if they are cupped you will have to move them back to the rear or replace them depending on your tolerance to the thumping or tread depth. Good Luck

 

[hcfb]

Ive seen on other topics that wheel bearings could be an issue....could this be true and that is what is causing he noise?

 

[drake437]

Maybe, but if it started after tire rotation it's more than likely the tires. What tires are they and how many miles are on them?

 

[rickcdewitt]

jack up your truck and spin the wheels.you should be able to see if the tire is out of round.you can check bearings while its up.

 

[hcfb]

they are the standard Wrangler tires, and the car has $67k miles on it. I assume they are the original to the car

 

[hcfb]

it ended up being the front wheel bearings....thanks everyone for the help