Hi everyone,
I have a 2004 Ford Focus MK2 estate, 1.4 petrol, 80 hp, with a manual gearbox.
I’ve noticed a high-pitched, steady “Wiiiiii” whining noise that seems to come from the left side of the car, possibly from the rear left wheel.
Here are the symptoms:
- On dry roads, the noise usually starts at around 80 km/h.
- On wet roads, it can start as early as 60–70 km/h and becomes noticeably louder.
- When I accelerate, the noise gets louder. When I lift off the accelerator, it becomes quieter, but the pitch seems to stay the same.
- I can barely hear it inside the cabin, but it is clearly audible from outside.
- My brother was sitting behind me and thought the noise was coming from the rear left.
- The noise does not seem to change when gently steering left or right.
- I first noticed it around the time I replaced the wheels/tires and brake discs/pads, although I’m not 100% sure they are related.
- The gearbox oil level has always been correct, and the gearbox has already received fresh oil.
- I haven’t checked the rear dust shields/backing plates yet.
- I haven’t noticed obvious sawtooth wear on the tires.
I’ve read that a whining noise that changes with acceleration can come from the differential or gearbox bearings. However, the fact that the noise is much louder on wet roads and seems to come from the rear left makes me suspect the tire, wheel bearing, or brake area as well.
What would you check first? Could a tire produce this kind of noise even without visible sawtooth wear? And is it possible for a wheel bearing to make noise only at higher speeds without noticeable play or a change in noise when cornering?
I’d appreciate any advice or similar experiences. Thanks!