Yup, I have ANOTHER problem... :(

This noise has been happening ever since I rotated my tires. I assumed it was just uneven treadwear that would even out, but it hasn't.

It'* kind of a thumping noise that increases frequency with speed. It'* associated with a slight vibration in the wheel. It'* not that loud or that extreme with the vibration, and the vibration and sound pretty much disappears at speeds above 30 or 40 mph. It'* coming from the left front. It doesn't seem to get worse as I turn unless a lot of weight is transferred to the left front wheel, such as in braking or a hard right turn. Even then, it'* probably not bad enough that anyone riding can feel it, but I can feel it through the wheel.

My tires are pretty old and probably need replacing soon, but I just can't afford it now...

Any chance it could be something simple, like a flat spot or a tire that isn't round? I sincerely hope it'* not a wheel bearing.

I have to say, my luck has been downright rotten lately. My Buick is a plethora of expensive problems:

Needs new tires
Needs new PS pump (coming soon)
Needs new shocks and struts, probably mounts and bearings too
Needs new airmix actuator or airmix door
And now this...

Engine and transmission are sound though (knock on wood).

My truck which was supposed to be my daily driver so I could keep the Buick out of commission and work on these problems died the other day in a way that screams expensive too. Other than that, fortunately it is okay (knock on wood again).

I keep them both well maintained, neither have had a problem in over a year and then they all come at once, of course. And I have $194 to spend on repairs.

Oh well, that'* my problem I guess. Any help you could give on this tire noise?
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It is the sound of bad tires. Usually a separated (or poorly laid) internal belt. The only cure is better tires.

Thanks, I'm glad it'* just the tires. Since it just started I have a feeling it'* separated.

They are GoodYear Regatta II tires so they're pretty nice tires. Or were, anyway.

Would they be safe to travel on for a while?
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Good call, Bill!

I was going to say that, as I've had it happen to me before....no really!

And yes, since the tires are old, it is a likely cause. You can often see it if you take a real close look at the tire, both sides. It can look like a slight bulge or bump in the sidewall. Sometimes it'* hard to see unless you get the tire in the air and spin it, looking for variation as it moves.

If you have to, I suppose you can drive on it for a while though I'd hesitate to do so at highway speeds. It really is time to replace 'em.

Thanks for the recommendation...I'll check into getting that done at the end of next week when I get paid. In the meantime, the truck goes into the shop so I can use it as my DD again.

Any good recommendations for tires? I have the 16" touring wheels. I'm looking for good tires that don't cost too much.
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When it comes to tires, I always recommend the best tires you can afford (within reason of course). This means that you should avoid no-name and off-brand tires unless someone you know and trust has used them for a long time without issue.

If you don't have the cash ready right now, you can use the tire dealer'* 90 days same-as-cash cards they push, just be sure you pay it off before the 90 days are up or you get nailed by high interest charges and back interest too. I'll admit to having done that way back in the day, before I could afford to cut loose with $400-500 for good tires.

Just remember that your tires are where the power is put down to the road. It'* the first step to safe driving and avoiding wrecks, IMO.

LaSabre, a testimony on tire shopping...
If you are an internet shopper at all, I highly recommend checking out www.tirerack.com.
They offer BUNCHES of tires from cheap to not as cheap.. all the brands ... no sales tax, no excise tax, no tire disposal fee and good prices to start with. Their search process allows you to see everything or just certain categories according to performance. 2-day FedEx shipping runs roughly $12 per tire. They also provide a list of installers according to your zip... AND ... will drop ship directly to one of the installers so you don't have to haul them. My installer doesn't charge as much as listed on the site and calls when they arrive to set up a day for install.

Even if you do NOT want to go w/Tirerack, you can use the site to research tire facts, specs, reviews, etc., before you visit your local dealer. I have 4 vehicles and they all wear tires from tirerack. And NO, I don't work there or own stock in the company. Just a happy customer.

Thanks for the recommendations guys. Tirerack.com does have some really good prices, but apparently the nearest "approved installer" is 29 miles away. I'll definitely keep them in mind though.

I remembered that I do have a CD maturing in a month and a half. This will be more than enough to get my truck fixed, these new tires, and my Buick'* PS pump fixed. I'll hold off on the shocks and struts...they're a little squishy and clunky at times but not completely gone yet. Same for the ECC...it'* not my daily driver. And it still works for now but I can always roll the windows down.

I guess things are looking better. Only problem is someone is going to give me hell for using part of the CD for that but they'll just have to be strong.
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I had the worst shake in my car the other day, and it ended up that on the INSIDE of the tire, the read and sidewall started to SLIGHTLY seperate... it made my wheel shudder, and it got worse the slower I went... ( at 50 or so it didnt show itself much ).. I'd bet it'* the tire(*).

Well, I got some new tires put in today. I decided to go ahead and go to the extra expense to know I'm getting some good tires. I got 4 Michelin X Radial tires for $520 which included free lifetime tire rotation and balancing and Sam'* Club. They have an 80,000 mile warranty.

After having driven them, I can say the difference is like night and day...

The strange twitch in the steering I associated with a failing power steering pump is gone. The thumping noise and vibration has completely disappeared. There are MUCH less vibrations transmitted through to the passenger compartment, meaning less rattles. They are MUCH quieter too, I can't hear the road much even on the worst road surface. Random clunks I used to associate with bad struts up front has disappeared. The wheel turns much easier and the car seems more effortless with these tires.

Overall: Quieter, smoother, good quality/warranty, awesome!

Power steering pump is still bad though. That gets changed Monday.
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