I bought a 98 EX manual coupe last year that had no history with it but only 93k. Naturally, I test drove it talking with the owner and trying out the sunroof, ac, radio and what not. Didn't really get up to speed and notice the loud hum coming from the rear.

Its like I am being chased by a Messerschmidt. Sometimes it seems like mb there are two hums...as if both sides are independently doing it, and I get this impression when the seem to emit differing frequencies

At any rate, most systems are fine in this car. So, I am wondering if there is anything I can do to eliminate the hum and/or prevent it from becoming a roar.

 

Could be the tires or bad wheel bearings.

 

And it made the noise when I bought them for the car last year.

So what will new wheel bearings cost a guy?

 

It's a job you can do at home. The OEM rear hub unit bearing assembly costs about $100 (not including shipping and handling) at Majestic Honda. Call around for comparison prices at your local auto parts stores.