Recently purchased a 2001 convertible with 295/35ZR18's on the back. Wider than traditional stock size.
As I approach about 50 mph I start to hear this "rythmic-type hum" coming from what sounds like the rear. As I increase speed, it gets louder. The tires are New.
A friend tells me that it's the nature of the beast with the wider tires.
IS this true?

 

Usually high performance tire produces some road noise. Are those wide tires on a different rim? I wouldn't think they would fit on the stock one.

 

Yes...the rims are wider as well to accomodate the larger tires.

 

What brand and modeltires are they. The BF Goodrich KD 2s are louder than most. But as a general rule - no, tires should not howl. Hopefully, it's not the differential that's howling.

 

Just learned it is the hub bearings that are bad (not cheap).

Thanks for your comments.

 

I once had someone ask me if I knew why *his* tires hummed. I told him because they don't know the words....

Glad you found the problem!

 

" But as a general rule - no, tires should not howl."................Too bad I didn't record it and you're not around to hear it, but that statement is FALSE!!!

My wifes brand new '87 Vette came stock with Goodyears on it. We lived in a cul-de-sac and if I was out in the driveway, I could hear her coming home from work out on the main road before turning into our street. I once owned a Chevy Blazer and in the winter I had 4 snow tires on it (4WD). It was loud, but the Vette was as loud or louder.

When the Goodyears wore down and I had them replaced with Michelins, No more howling tire noise.