We have a 2002 Civic with 35K miles on it. It has developed a sound, somewhat like a bad wheel bearing coming from one of the wheels, but we really can't tell where the sound is coming from. It also sounds like off-road tires make on a big SUV for instance. The noise is negligible at low speeds but gets loud around 40 MPH and more, accompanied by a slight vibration you can feel in the floorboards. I assume a good first start would be to have the balance on all four wheels checked. I have already jacked up each wheel one by one and spun the tire to see if any one feels different - they did not, and all feels smooth. CV boots are intact. It's hard to believe that after only 35K miles we would have a wheel bearing or CV joint go out.
Help. Any advice would be appreciated.

 

I'd say get them rotated and balanced before you do anything else. Does the steering wheel shake under braking when you are above, say, 50mph?

 

When the noise comes, does anything shake or vivrate?

If so, I'm thinkin it may be something under the car that has come loose and the wind starts vibrating it at certain speeds. (like a heat shield or something)

 

When you're traveling at higher speeds than 45 mph and your pull on the wheel does it do it then like a slight roar like those knobby tires on the SUV's? If it does then it will be a wheel bearing. with something like that i would just replace the wheel hub assembly it is usually cheaper that way b/c then you can just do a swap b/c it is easier than having someone dissassemble you're hub to replace your beariing. then again if it has 35k on it it should be under waranty right?

 

There is no unusual input from the steering wheel or any unusual handling when this happens.
There is a slight vibration you can feel in the floorboard, though.
We are going to have the wheels rotated and balanced first as suggested, and we will let you all know.

 

Still think that. Did you check for any loose parts under the car?