Last week my 2002 Monte Carlo ss started making a noise that sounds like it has snow tires on it. Low droning noise. I raised the front tires off ground. Noticed a slight wiggle when I grabbed top and bottom of tire. Seems to me could be a wheel hub bearing.....my question, can wheel fall off car if I drive until next Saturday? Scheduled a appointment then to have it looked at. Thanks for any help.

*****UPDATE 3/13/18***** Yes, had repaired today. It was the wheel hub bearing. Thanks for all the tips.

 

Sounds like wheel bearing, as for if the wheel can fall off. No it won't unless the CV axel breaks as that big nut will hold the bearing to the spindle, but what can happen is you could LOOSE BRAKES. If the bearing fails it will allow the rotor to move back and forth enough to puss the pads back in the caliper and create a loss of brakes until you pump them enough to get them to grab the rotor again. If it just started making noise you should be ok for a little bit but there is always a chance .

 

What about the Tires? Are they cupped?
this will make that sound also.
If the tires are out of balance or the alignment is out. The tires will make a strange noise that will mock the snow tire sound.
It is always a good practice to have the tires rotated and balanced every 5K. Alignment should be an all wheel alignment, if you hit a curb or nasty pot hole it can knock the car out of alignment, if not fixed tires can go bad.
If you can jack it up and check the tread, run your hand over the tread make sure it is even and not bumpy/lumpy.

 

Yes. Agree with Jeff, wiggle vertically would be wheel bearings....change as soon as you can. Just had mine done and the ride difference is very noticeable, but I did tires at the same time....

 

I think you'll be fine until Saturday, just take it easy and make sure you do get it fixed this weekend

 

Thanks guys, I got car in shop yesterday. Didn't want to wait till Saturday. Tires are a year old so they are good, bet it's the bearing. Will know for sure today when they call.

 

It is most likely the wheel bearings. Mine were making the same noise and they were so bad they would make the traction control go off sometimes when turning. After I installed new ones it is so quiet and rolls so much better.

By the way.....slick looking Monte you have there.

 

Thanks, it was the wheel hub bearing. Nice and smooth, quite ride now.

 

Glad you got it fixed

 

Good to hear!