Tires: 2004 Pontiac Grand Am front end noise, wheel bearings, cv joints

Question
Tires: Goodyear Eagle RS-A P225/50 R16.  41K mileage.  Purchased new.  When car had about 22K miles on it a front end noise developed that would sound very much like wheel bearings.  I worked with GM and they replaced all four tires (same style/model/size as original).  Although not definitive "they" indicated the noise was caused by tire rubbing wheel where pressure boundary is possibly caused by use of tire shine products.   GM replaced all four tires without reluctancy and noise went away until recently ( around 40K).  Noise is back and must mention most audible at 10 mph or less (noise might be there at higher speeds but due to obvious reasons don't hear it).  Jacked up car, rotated, no noise, brake pads good no constant contact. Pads retract.  I know dealer will not put another set of tires on but would like someone else's opinion on cause.  Tires appear to be in great shape.  Always maintained proper inflation.  Physical check (shake, inspect boots) indicate CV joints good, no radial movement.  Noise sounds just like wheel bearings. (I'm Mech Eng Tech so know what bearings sound like). Are there other reports on this subject and these tires.  Waht course of action could you recommend?  I really rather not replace tires as these only have about 20K on them.  But earlier the noise did go away when the tires were replaced.

Answer
David,

Diagnosing noises over the internet is problematic - I can't hear what you are referring to.  But let me give you some background.

Tires will generate a wear pattern that will be different depending on the position on the vehicle. Each position will have it's own pattern and the pattern will vary a bit from vehicle to vehicle - not only depending on the mkae and model of the vehicle - but also on the way the individual vehicle is used.

So tire rotation is required to even out the wear pattern and prevent one single pattern from becoming so bad it will create a noise or vibration or wear out prematurely.  5,000 to 8,000 miles between rotations is the usual recommendation.

If the tires are not rotated, it is fairly common for FWD cars to develop a tire related noise or vibration in the front end at about 20,000 miles.  Rotating the tires at that point will cause the noise to move to the rear.

Misalignment can aggravate the situation, causing it to appear quicker or become more severe.

Since you got 40K out of vehicle before you had to purchase tires, that's pretty good.  I think your best course of action is to purchase tires, get an alignmant (to be sure it is OK) and move on.  The GM dealer has done what he could.