[NewHampshireNana]

Good Morning.
I was very excited when I picked up my 2006 Ford Escape yesterday. Then I got on the highway to drive home....yikes! I had a headache by the time I got home! Yes, I test drove it, but it wasn't this noisy when I did! It's a hum that gets louder the more I accelerate. I mentioned it to the manager after my test drive and he did a cursory check of the tires and said they were fine. I am bringing it back to them, but thought I would just check in here and see if anyone had any ideas what might be causing it. I absolutely love this vehicle (aside from the hum) and pray it's something they can remedy easily and quickly. Thank you for your input.

 

[LIEscape]

Without being there, it sure sounds initially like it could be a tire issue. I had a friend with a Mazda and it was incredibly loud due to the tires. It could also be a worn wheel bearing or rear gear whine, but if your coming out with a headache, it's more than likely the tires.

 

[glostah]

This is most likely a wheel bearing.

 

[JoeyK]

Tires and / or wheel bearings. Not much in the way of sound deadening in the rear of the Escapes, if you put on too agressive of a treaded tire it'll get noisy real quick.
How many miles on it? Once near 80k or more & I would not rule out wheel bearings

 

[skibender]

Do you have the continental tires on it? If so, that would be my guess as to the source. Loudest tires I've ever driven!

 

[Leviathan]

Do you have the continental tires on it? If so, that would be my guess as to the source. Loudest tires I've ever driven!

Yep, start there. Those tires aren't called Conticraps for nothing.

 

[mr hammond]

just bought an 05 it was very noisy
replaced the continental tires with bridgstone duelers and it is very quiet and smooth now