[sliderule01]

2010 AWD Wagon with 90K miles. Hearing a somewhat loud hum coming from left rear. Just noticed it during last trip. The noise appears to be related to wheel speed, as it increases with speed, and not engine speed. Tested this while going down hill with no throttle input. Wheel hub or something worse?

 

[FunkZ]

Definitely sounds like a wheel hub.

 

[Get-u-it]

Yes, I'll second what FunkZ said, really sounds like a wheel bearing/hub assembly noise.

 

[Dave1442397]

Yeah, almost certainly a wheel bearing on the way out. Seems to run $600 at a dealer, $400 at an independent shop.

 

[JCBCTS]

Might also want to check the rear differential fluid...if its low it may be wear in the differential. Remove the filler bolt and you should be able to dip your pinky finger into the hole and touch the gear oil level.

 

[sliderule01]

I will check both things. Differential fluid first as that is the simplest and cheapest. Just noticed it after an oil change. i also need to have rear rotors replaced as the steering wheel throbs when brakes are applied. Pedal also throbs....Part of normal maintenance. It sounds like a lot but overall my experience has been good with the car - it really has been low maintenance and fairly inexpensive compared to Volvo.

 

[microfuture]

...steering wheel shimmy would be front rotors.