Tire noise

[KenKy]

My daughter's 07 tC has very loud front end / tire noise. Dealer says it is tire noise and nothing wrong with the front end, bearings, etc.
They are the stock tires with about 29,000 miles. Tires have been rotated every 5000 miles. They still have tread left so I hate to get new tires if that isn't the problem.
Is such tire noise common with the tC or with the low profile tires?
If so, is this problem more with the stock tire or any tires?

Thanks!

[navylife59]

Can you please explain the noise? When do you hear the noise? Are there any vibrations associated with it? What is the tire brand and model? Scion has used several different tire manufacturers including Bridgestone, Yokohama, and Toyo.

Tires inherently produce noise. Most tire noise is inaudible over the engine and wind noise. Some tires, however, have tread block designs and materials that create copious amounts of noise. Tire noise can change with tread depth (depending on the tire design) and tire inflation pressure (low tires create more noise). Did the tires make this noise before? If the rear tires don't make the noise, then rotate and check again. FWD cars are also prone to noise generated by an alignment that is out of specification. Check the tires for abnormal thread wear patterns. Out-of-round tires also generate more road noise. Does the ride feel rough?

[KenKy]

They are Bridgestones- the sound is like a growling sound- no vibration - sound does not change if brakes applied or if shifted into neutral.
Thanks!

[navylife59]

Maybe a CV-joint on the axle. Is the sound from both sides or just one? Does the sound get progressively worse with speed or does it stay near constant? You can check for binding CV-joint by making hard right, then left turns while reversing at 5-10MPH. Bad units normally produce a clicking noise.

The car is under warranty. Did the Dealer try and rotate the tires to the back to check their diagnosis? If the problem is the same after rotation and the car did not obviously have this noise before, then it is most likely something mechanical. Is their a pull in the steering? If so, did they check for a dragging caliper?

[KenKy]

Thank you. The noise was caused by the original tires- I replaced the Bridgestones with Dunlop Signature tires and now have a great ride and handling with very low noise level.
Ken

Maybe a CV-joint on the axle. Is the sound from both sides or just one? Does the sound get progressively worse with speed or does it stay near constant? You can check for binding CV-joint by making hard right, then left turns while reversing at 5-10MPH. Bad units normally produce a clicking noise.

The car is under warranty. Did the Dealer try and rotate the tires to the back to check their diagnosis? If the problem is the same after rotation and the car did not obviously have this noise before, then it is most likely something mechanical. Is their a pull in the steering? If so, did they check for a dragging caliper?