The engine in my 1997 Elantra just recently started making quite a bit more noise than usual. The noise, which resembles a loud roar, is most noticeable at higher speeds (approximately 50-60 mph). Performance does not appear to be affected in any way, however, I just had to put a half quart of oil into it after receiving an oil change only about two weeks ago. The engine has roughly 100,000 miles on it. A friend told me that it could be an indicator that the piston rings are going bad.

All educated guesses are appreciated, thanks!

Instead of coming from the engine, I am now guessing that the loud humming noise is coming from my front passenger wheel. The most recent work I have had done on the wheel is as follows:

1. Tires rotated (500 miles ago)
2. New CV Joint (1,000 miles ago)
3. New wheel bearings (10,000 miles ago)

Please help me determine the culprit!

It's a long shot, but your wheel bearing may just need tightening. Jack up the wheel, grab opposite sides of the tyre and see if you can jiggle the wheel at all. Carefully if you only have the OEM jack. If there's any movement then that's your problem.

When's the last time you did a wheel alignment, all 4 wheels? Somehow, my rear alignment was out so bad, even though I had a tie rod done the year before and an alignment. How do I explain this, they were out so bad it was like a rear tire wobble, resulted in odd t ire wear, and sounded like a wheel bearing starting to go, a rrr-rrrr-rrr-rrr sort of sound. Not the wheel bearing, cuz they were new too! lol

BTW - what grade of eng oil are you using? What oil do u have right now? I just hope u don't have 5Wsomething. U must have 10W40 or 15W40.

I suggest that u use 10W40 full synthetic (my car - for 15.000km stays at mark FULL).

My Lantra has around 200.000km and increased engine noise when idling is normal.

P.S.: Don't use oil brand that your engine consumes the most.

hope this helps