Hello!
You do not mention how you determined that the wheel bearings are not the source of the noise, but if it is not a wheel bearing then the noise is being generated by the tires. Tires or wheel bearings are typically the only sources of the type of noise you describe.
Tires make this type of noise when the tread becomes worn unevenly due to an imbalance condition, or when the edged become slightly cupped (flat spots) due to worn shocks or struts.
ASE L1 Master Technician
25+ Years experience as a professional working automotive technician; ASE L1 master technician.
Hi Steve,
Thanks for the help. As I should have mentioned, the noise was present with the previous old tyres and is still there with the complete set of new tyres . It is an annoying sound that to me seems to be in the drive system. The wheel bearings have been checked with a stethyscope? and replaced accordingly. The car has done 190,000kms, with regular serviceing.
Cheers Keith