We were test driving a '95 Prelude SE and noticed a roaring kind of sound coming from the rear axles or wheels. It only does it when the car is moving and increases in volume as the speed increases. Is this normal? What could be causing it? I'd like to know because apart from this, the car is in great condition.

Tabasco

 

wheel bearing
excessively low tread on tires
sticking rear caliper(s) or pads
warped rear rotors

~kris

 

tires mounted backward/diffrent tread patterns between left/right tires.

 

i'd say wheel bearings.

 

Also tires that have been out of balance and are cupped will roar.

 

Can anyone place a general price on:

Two rear wheel bearings
Two rear rotors
Two rear calipers

Also, what kind of tires (15" rims) would you recommend for a smooth ride that corners nicely.

Ed

 

www.rockauto.com
thats where i get most of my reman stuff, like calipers/rotors there prices are superb in that category.
the wheel bearings u will want www.hondaautomotiveparts.com, they will be listed under (rear brake?)

if i were you i would try to determine which side is making the noise...also dont forget that caliper failure/sluggishness is very common if the car has been sitting for several months, along with the rotors getting rotted or warped.

~kris

 

The car has been sitting in a garage since April. Also, the rear tires are in need of replacement. If I put a penny in the tread, it falls between the edge and the top of Lincoln's head.

Ed

 

low tread... many tires will howl.