Honda Repair: Honda struts, honda accord coupe, rear struts

Question
In November, I had 4 new tires put on my 1999 Honda Accord Coupe. In February, I had my car inspected at the local Honda dealer. It needed rear brakes to pass inspection. Several weeks later I noticed a loud humming sound seeming to originate from the rear tires. Thinking a problem with tires, I returned the car to where I purchased the tires. I was told I needed a left rear hub casing. I didnt have this done. I had my car to a different place for oil change and was just told I need front/rear struts and that my new tires are "chopped". He said he didnt notice a hub casing problem. He gave me a price of $1200 for front/rear struts. He said the bad struts rendered my new tires worthless. Does this sound right? I guess I am just confused that 2 reputable repair places are giving me different information. Does $1200 sound right for struts?

Thanks!  

Answer
Mary Ann,
You sound like a smart person. Very smart on your part to investigate a little further. Glad to help you.
I can't tell you who is right without looking at the car but I can lead you in the right direction.
I question why the 2nd person who says you need all 4 struts. If only the rear tires are cupping, why would you need front struts? Let me guess, you took it to an independant shop like Midas, or maybe Just Brakes, or Pep Boys? They make a lot of money selling struts. Well for the most part, your 99 Accord should not need struts until over 100k miles. You did not mention the miles on your car. That would have helped me.
One question for you. Did you have an alignment done when you bought the 4 tires. That is always a good idea. You spend all that money on tires, and if your alignment is out, it will kill your new tires. Also you need to rotate your tires on a regular basis. About every 7-10k miles is a good idea. Did you do this?
A bad casting? Never heard of that. Does he mean a bad rear wheel bearing? That would definitly make noise in the rear.
What you need to do is go to the rear tires on the car. Rub your hand across the surface of the tire. (on the part with the tread) Does the tire feel Sharp?? Is it not smooth? Does it feel bumpy? If it does, then your cupped tires are causing your noise. The tire spins around and slaps the pavement, making the noise. You will need to replace the tires. Once tires start wearing bad, you can never fix them. They will continue to wear in that pattern. If you do get new tires, make sure you get an alignment. And get a second opinion on the struts.
Good luck and thanks for the question,
Mean Gene