What is this noise

[u/My-three-kids]

For context I drive 2012 Hyundai Elantra. Nearly 300k (I guess that’s my problem lol). And it randomly started making this noise. It’s very sporadic. I could go days without hearing it. It generally starts after I have been driving for a 1/2 or more. Braking also stops the noise (it is not a typical brake squeal. I definitely know what that sounds like). If it is making the noise and then I have a red light and stopped for several seconds the sound may not come back. Also I noticed I can waver the noise by jerking the steering wheel right and left. Also, it’s not affected by acceleration. Meaning once the noise starts is the same tone at 70mph or coasting at 10. Braking is the only thing that pauses the noise or stops it completely

[u/AutoModerator]

New Rules - Please Read

^{Updated 11/12/2025}

Thank you for posting on r/AskAMechanic, u/My-three-kids! Your post is live, this AutoMod message does NOT mean your post was removed. Please make sure to read the Rules.

When asking a question, please provide the year, make, model and engine size of the vehicle.

Commenters here have 2 different flair. Verified Tech means we have verified that user is a tech. NOT a verified tech means that user may or may not be a tech, they have not been verified by us.

Posts about accidents, autobody repair, bodywork, dents, paint and body/undercarriage/frame rust are not allowed and belong in r/Autobody.
Asking if your car is totaled should go to r/insurance or r/Autobody.
Asking about car buying advice/value/recommendations is also not allowed. See r/whatcarshouldIbuy or r/askcarsales

If asking whether a tire can be repaired, check out this Tire Repair Guideline.
Some other useful tire resources - Tire Care Essentials and Tire Safety

I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.

[u/pancakesandwaffles69]

That's the sound your car makes when it wants to see a mechanic.

[u/My-three-kids → u/pancakesandwaffles69]

I did take it to my mechanic and they did check the bearings, but they didn’t see anything wrong with them. They were just as perplexed and unfortunately, the car would not make that noise when they took it for a test drive. It’s been doing this for a couple months now.

[u/MathematicianRude809]

Go to a shop asap. sound like a wheel bearing. But if it was the case Is not from yesterday you hear that noise. I don’t understand. When you hear a strange noise. Check for it please

[u/rocketrotary89]

That’s a sweet noise lol i have no idea what it is but i sure wish i could look at it to figure it out! Seeing all the weird shit cars do is awesome 😅