Humming from rear end.

[falcon11311]

I just bought a 2006 Escape Limited 4WD. When I test drove it there was a slight shake in the steering wheel at highway speed so the dealer said they would fix it as he figured it might just need the tires balanced.
After picking the vehicle up the steering wheel shake is gone but it has a droning noise coming from the right rear.

Here are my thoughts on what it could possibly be:

1) Damaged tire (it does have a little cupping) possibly a shifted/broken belt.

2) Rear differencial problem.

3) bad wheel bearing.

I'm leaning towards a tire issue as I think the dealer may have rotated front to back thus eliminating the steering shake and causing the humming in the rear.

Has anyone else had the same problem that could possibly shed some light on this for me?

I do have an extended warranty on this vehicle so my only concern is the dealer telling me I need new tires.

Rob

[Phil Van V]

My 2008 makes a noise if the rear passenger window/s down. I was told that many of the SUV and Jeeps are not designed to have wind coming in the rear windows and causes the humming?!

[theoldwizard]

Originally Posted by falcon11311

...I'm leaning towards a tire issue ...

So would I.

The OEM Continental tires are known to be loud, especially on the highway. Many people have remarked how much quieter their Escape is after purchasing new tires with a "less aggressive" tread pattern.

If you have any cupping on the tires, that means you have some other mechanical problem. Balls joint or shocks are likely culprits.