I have a 2005 Stratus with 115k miles on it. I started hearing a growling noise at highway speeds. To make sure the noise was a wheel bearing and not tire noise, I jacked up the front end. While it was in the air, I noticed that the left wheel had some play in it when I grabbed it at 3 and 9. Could that be caused by the wheel bearing, or am I going to have to replace the tie rods too? Thanks.

 

Wheel bearings would be 6 and 12 o'clock and 3 and 9 would be either tie rods or inner rack n pinion.

 

So that means the tie rod ends need replaced.. Amy chance that they are causing the growling noise or is that a definite wheel bearing noise?

 

Sorry I forgot to thank you, it's been a busy month. Turned out to be both the wheel bearings and the tie rods.

 

im having a very similar issue, but i only hear it when turning left at highway speeds.