Growling noise on the front left tire when driving on my 2001 Chevy Malibu?

Answer 1

The growling noise that you're hearing is most likely your front wheel bearing starting to fail. When you make a right turn the noise gets louder/more noticeable, I assume. This is a pretty inexpensive repair if you're able to do the work yourself. If not, you will probably spend about $350 to have a technician do the job for you.

If you attempt to do this yourself, here are basic instructions to follow.

Remove wheel, caliper, and caliper support bracket. On the back side of the rotor, there are 3 bolts holding the wheel bearing to the rotor. Remove these bolts. After this step, then you will need to remove the cotter pin from the bolt holding the steering knuckle to the control arm. Remove the bolt. If you do not have a "pickle fork" to separate the ball joint from the steering knuckle, put a pry bar in such a fashion as to put downward force on the control arm and strike the front of the steering knuckle at the bottom until it is dislodged. Be careful not to damage the metal by striking excessively hard.

Next, remove the axle shaft nut and place a chisel in the center of the axle and strike with a hammer GENTLY until the axle is dislodged from the rotor/hub. Pull axle out of the way and hub will slide out. Reverse procedures for installation. Make sure if your car has ABS, that you connect the wheel speed sensor. Be careful not to damage the CV boots on the axle. Broken/leaking CV boots need to replaced.