Driving my X-Type the other day I heard a noise that sounded like I had a flat tire (thump,thump,thump).Got out to check and all tires were fine ,inflated to the correct pressure. Was not a whine or metallic noise that I have read about here. Any thoughts on what could be causing this noise???

 

That sounds like bad struts or shocks. I replaced mine and she drives like a new car again. If its anytime you hit a bump or go over any rough road then that would be the issue.

Good l,
The Dr

 

Thanks for your reply.I don't think the sound is being caused by a bad strut or shock. The sound I described increases with rpm (related to rotation) and is present driving down a perfectly smooth road.

 

You may have something wrapped around the driveshaft. Perhaps some debris like a plastic sheet or rope, or really anything can be wrapped around it. This would cause an imbalance and would make a noise like you are hearing. Put the car up on ramps and have a good look underneath. Pay attention to all the end joints of the shaft. What you are looking for might be a small amount of debris. It doesn't take much to cause an imbalance. With luck you will find something stuck under there and be able to remove it without any permanent damage - better yet, without expense.
Tom

 

Check your tires for "cupping" on the inner and outter edge. Cupped or chopped tires will produce that sound

 

I got the x-type up on jack stands and checked the drive shaft for play and found none. Got the grease gun out and greased the center support carrier bearing. It was hard to tell if any grease was going in but I think a small amount went in. Took the car for a test drive......noise disappeared!!!
Very happy as the alternative was to replace the entire prop shaft at $1000.
I think in most cases the prop shaft is fine and only the carrier bearing needs replacement. Has anyone ever sourced a replacement bearing? It seems as though it would be a quick fix... remove prop shaft,knock old bearing off of shaft and replace with new bearing,then reinstall.
Thanks to everyone for their input on my noise issue.

 

Did you check the condition of tires? May be worn and a belt is showing?

 

Could it be the air dam under bumper has seperated from bumper?

 

No, the noise stopped after the prop shaft bearings were greased and has not come back. Thanks.

 

When you grease that center bearing (carrier bearing) using a grease needle, you go in from the rear side (there are places in the plastic "cover" ring where you can insert the needle), you will see grease coming out the FRONT side of the bearing when you get enough in there.

Wipe the squeeze out off the front when you're done and you should be good to go. Mine didn't thump at all.... but it did howl a bit between about 35 and 50 mph

 

Yes, used the same method you mentioned and the problem was solved. Nice and quiet now. Thank you.