Major tire wear AND very loud noise at high speeds
 

At high speeds (70+) I can't even hear the radio the sound is really loud coming from the rear.

I just saw the rear driver side tire is down to the wire (only on the inner portion).

I think this is an alignment problem.

However, I was over hearing that it may be a wheel bearing problem instead.

What do you guys think?

Could be either or both. Year? Model? Mileage? Driving habits (freeway, mountain roads, track)?

2002 Boxster S 6speed 60k
I drive it on streets and highways pretty spirited
Any way to find out which one it is before spending any money?

Hi,

If trying to take an economical approach, go for the Wheel Balancing 1st. This is an As Needed maintenance item which has no mileage or time limit. Your alignment can go out on the way home from the alignment shop under certain circumstances (hitting potholes, speed bumps, etc the wrong way), and most people's alignments are usually not exactly spot on after several thousand miles of driving. And, it more often the cause than Wheel Bearings - the odds are in it's being the cause. That said, it may well turn out to be the wheel bearings and the simple Shimmy and Shake test won't always rule them out.

Be sure to have the wheels dynamically, or Road Force, balanced using a Hunter 97XX machine. This will cost you about $100, and if it solves the problem (as the odds dictate, but don't insure), you're done. If it doesn't solve the problem, well it's there's a good chance you needed it anyway and it may have contributed to a Wheel Bearing issue. Hope this helps...

Happy Motoring!... Jim

I wouldve done the balancing first, BUT my rear driver side tire is worn to the wire.
No question I need tires on that side.
Plus a lack of balance wont cut up the tires down to the wire.

Something is hitting the tires..

Hi,

It could...

Happy Motoring!... Jim'99

BTDT, on my car it was an alignment issue.

Have a good alignment shop adjust the rear toe and the camber as close to zero as the specs allow. On my car tire wear has almost stopped and I haven't noticed much difference in handling. Your car like mine was, is probably adjusted to the high side of the specs. Toe out eats the inside of tires like kids eating candy.

Sounds like time for new rear tires and 4 wheel alignment at least. Tell the alignment tech you do a lot of freeway driving and you are getting extreme tire wear on the inside. They can put moderate camber on the car so your tires wear more evenly.