My 2001 Buick Regal has recently started having a buzzing sound. It sounds like a small airplane flying in the distance or like when you put cards on your spokes as a kid. It's really strange and isn't there at all when you're idling.


It sounds like something that spins rubs on something and gets louder and louder the faster you go and then when you break there's a sound like "winding down." Sort of sounds like you're driving a loud dirt bike.


If you roll down the window and stick your head out, you don't hear it outside the car. I put more transmission fluid in and also carburator/filters cleaner in and added oil - no improvement.


Would really appreciate the help if anyone has experience with this or any ideas. We're in the dark here.


Thanks a lot!!!

 

Bump - any answer on this? My daughter's '02 LeSabre has the same problem.

 

From what I gather you feel its coming from the trans?
Does it seem louder in the front than the rear?
Can you be more specific as to driver's side , passenger side?

 

Thanks - I'm not guessing anything about the trans - the reference to trans fluid was from the older post by someone else that I'm bumping. Our trans fluid was not low, and the noise isn't affected by shifting or engine rpm. It sounds like it's coming from under the dash, from the middle of the car or the passenger's side (to your right when driving). Guessed tire noise, but if I open the window I can't hear it from the outside, only the inside. I'm stumped, and so's my friend who's a mechanic (tho not a GM mechanic). Noise runs by speed of car (wheels?) not engine.

 

One way to pin it down would be to get the front of the vehicle on a set of jack stands (front wheel drive) and let the engine run slowly in drive and listen for where it might be originating.

 

Wheel bearings. Did get it up on a jack and there's a little bit of play in the wheel when wiggled from the 12/6 position. Ran it by a mechanic for diagnostic and he says the same. Haven't actually taken the wheel off and looked at the bearings, but I'm pretty sure at this point. I'll repost if it turns out to be something else. Thanks for your input!