LOUD hum started at 85K miles. When I start engine and run with hood up in the garage it sounds like it'* coming from the driver side. I'm about to take it to dealer (Bad idea?) for analysis but want to get any input I can from you guys who are way smarter than mechanically. No noticeable performance difference yet but I'm definitely worried. Thanks guys.

#1 don't goto a stealership
#2 grab a stethascope or simliar and use it to determin EXACTLY where the sound is comming from. you can get one fro like 5 or 10 bucks at a cvs/wallgreens
#3 does the sound increase as the rpms increase? what about if you turn on the a/c etc.?
#4 if you must take it somewhere ask friends/family for a good mechanic. then look themup online and see if their are any reviews about the shop. just because a person reccomends it doesn't mean it'* a good shop. my grandma went to the same shop for 30 years and was ripped off for 30 years. like the one year old tires had dry rot etc.
#5 a dealer will cost you alot more for a diag then a mechanic will. my mechanic does it for free. though i havn't used him in years as i turn my own wrenches as any proper man should. but he will tell me whats wrong

good luck! let us know how it turns out.

If you only hear it while driving, I bet it'* the wheel bearings. I just had the same problem.

nump. updates>? whats the dilly?