Noticed unusual sound coming from the front left of the car while driving. Best described as a rhythmic hum. It's a 2015 Focus 4 door, 1.6 diesel, with 192,000km/119,000mi.

Occurs only while turning right at relatively low speeds (30-50kmh / 20-30mph) such as a roundabout or a tight turn. It's somewhat audible at higher speeds (80kmh/50mph+) on sharper corners too, but it's eventually drowned out by tyre/engine noise at that point. The sound isn't present in a straight line or while turning left. I have noticed the odd clunking or knocking sound if I'm reversing left on full lock, but it doesn't happen all the time. No grinding noise is noticed either, steering wheel feels like normal, and it drives straight. Checked the tyre tread and it's wearing evenly on all 4 wheels, no bumps or issues with the tread blocks that I can feel or see.

I've checked the front left wheel and there's no play up/down or left/right, feels solid enough. Nothing is catching on the wheel liner either, seems OK. It's been happening since the start of February. The previous work done on the car was a set of new tyres (Goodyear EfficientGrip) with all-wheel alignment back in early December, prior to that was a regular service in October (oil, filter).

You can hear some examples in this video. Haven't had the chance to get it into a garage as they're all booked up until start of March.

So, what do you think?

From your description it is almost certainly the Wheel Bearing. With that type of Bearing it would need to be ready to fall apart before you would feel any play.

The occasional clunk when reversing is likely to be something else.

I'd swap N/S/F and N/S/R tyres around then see if it's still present.  That's not a wheel bearing / drop link or CV joint sound.  I'd say the outer shoulder of the tyre is the problem.

I don't rate the cheaper, sub 100 quid, Goodyear / Bridgestone / Toyo tyres.

On 2/22/2024 at 8:37 AM, Bar72 said:

I'd swap N/S/F and N/S/R tyres around then see if it's still present.  That's not a wheel bearing / drop link or CV joint sound.  I'd say the outer shoulder of the tyre is the problem.

I don't rate the cheaper, sub 100 quid, Goodyear / Bridgestone / Toyo tyres.

Good idea - just did that and it's still happening on nearside though. I went so far as to swap rear tyres to front too and it's still the same. I have it booked in for diagnostic with a Ford specialist tomorrow morning so I'll see what they find.

Update - Ford dealer confirmed it's the nearside wheel bearing, part on order and due to be replaced soon. Got quoted €260 incl. labour. Sorted.

Edited February 28, 20242 yr by Copacetic
Added cost.

nice one.  Strange noise for a wheel bearing but hey-ho.  tnx for posting solution.

16 hours ago, Copacetic said:

Ford dealer confirmed it's the nearside wheel bearing

Yip, from your description it had to be.