Noise in front end... does not change with slalom

[longtermproject]

Hi guys, I have been lurking here a long time (since my car had 14k miles on it) and I developed my first problem.... I have been reading on here about the noises you can hear from the front end, but mine doesnt seem to match up with wheel bearings.... Here is what I am experiencing.

Noise starts to be noticeable around 15 mph.

Noise increases loudness the faster I go.

Noise gets louder as I get on the brakes

Noise does not change if I move the car in a slalom pattern at any speed.

It gets so loud that it can drown out my radio

It sounds like it is coming from the middle of the car

it is nearly silent with the windows down.
----------------------------------------------------
I tried jacking up the front end, and don't see any slop in the wheels at all, like you would with a destroyed wheel bearing. I took the wheels off and looked at the brake rotors and didnt see any noticeable hot spots or warpage. I rotated the tires and the noise is still there.

My car is at 44k miles and the dealer local to me has informed me that they will not cover wheel bearing replacements under the warranty. They want to look at the car, and then will tell me whether or not I owe them the $85 service charge if the part needing replaced isnt under warranty.

What should I do???

[petrified.rabbit]

could be a cv joint, a belt driven accessory, etc. It seems if you are at a loss, $85 is fair to tell you what to fix.

[longtermproject]

yea thats true.... I guess the biggest question is, do you guys think it could still be a wheel bearing, even though the slalom test was inconclusive? Any idea if tire discounters or a place like that does free diagnostics lol.... I just started a new job which is only 5 minutes from my house thankfully... but I would like to get this fixed on the cheap if I can, at least until I have consistent checks rolling in...

[Overdrive]

What does the noise sound like? Whine? Knock? Squeal? Thud?

[longtermproject]

It sounds like a on and off whirring sound that increasing in loudness and speed the faster I go.... hard to explain really.... kind of a more metallic sound but not like a squeal.

[Overdrive]

Could be a fly wheel or pully. If it is an automatic, might be in the transmission.

This is a tough one.

[longtermproject]

I have an appointment with the dealership tomorrow for a recall, so I will see if they can check it out then....

[AveoJoe]

if they do not find the problem trade it in for another car a newer model.

[petrified.rabbit]

trading it in is nt really a solution, if the noise is steady but increases with rpm, it could be engine related, however i am still going with belt driven accessory. How many miles have you had the noise? with only 44k on the odometer, I am not sure of the year, but it could be the timing belt tensioner, water pump, etc.

[longtermproject]

Its a 2009 and it wouldnt appear to be engine related, because there is no noise just with revving the motor. I had called Chevrolet and they told me at first that the wheel bearings weren't covered.... but later called me back and said that the wheel bearings are covered for 2009 model Aveo's. I dropped the car off to have the inspection done on it, so hopefully they will call me with some good news today.