Bearings likely cause of noise

Q: I have a 2015 Prius with 127,000 miles. I began to hear a rubbing sound in the front end. The tire pressure light was coming on about every 10 days because at least one tire was leaking. The dealer resealed the beads and rotated all four tires but said that I also need the front wheel bearings replaced.

The rubbing sound disappeared. Nonetheless, I looked for a second opinion. A garage gave me the same front bearings diagnosis.

Did the resealing and rotation fix the rubbing sound? Could I have enjoyed the silence and driven on?

A: Servicing the tires/wheels could have temporarily reduced the noise, but you did the right thing by having the bearings replaced.

Q: My wife and I hear a nasty noise when we cold start our 2014 Honda CR-V. The dealer said it’s a result of faulty design and after repair, it likely would just come back. Can you offer any other resolution?

A: Although starter problems could be the cause, most likely it is the variable valve timing actuator leaking oil internally when the engine is off. When the engine is restarted after sitting, the actuator makes a noise till it’s recharged with oil pressure. It won’t cause engine damage, just aural annoyance.

Q: My 2017 GMC Acadia Denali gave me a dashboard message saying, “Steering Assist Is Reduced — Drive With Care.” This was accompanied by a loud fan noise from underneath the hood. The dealer said I had a radiator leak, so the radiator was replaced. But the problem came back a month later. Your thoughts?

A: Your vehicle has electric power steering assist. If the computer gets a report of an error with the cooling system, it triggers the warning. The problem could be with the radiator, thermostat or sensor reporting the coolant temperature.

Bob Weber is a writer, mechanic and ASE-certified Master Automobile Technician. His writing has appeared in automotive trade publications, Consumer Guide and Consumers Digest. Send automotive questions along with name and town to motormouth.tribune@gmail.com.