Whirring type sound; louder with increased speed. 2016 KIA Sorento LX, 72000 miles, automatic. No vibration or wobble...just the noise. Local experienced mechanic took it for road test...said the tires were cupped. Only 20,000 miles, Bridgestones. Is it possible, without the vibration it is a universal joint problem? Front & rear brake pads replaced very recently.
Visually inspect the tires, you will find out about the cupping if it exists. That noise could be from the wheel bearings.
My tires cupped on me and gave a low pitched waa waa waa going down the highway especially on a smooth road when there shouldn't be any noise. When I took one of the wheels off, I could see uneven tread wear that looked like small depressions scattered around the entire circumference. If there is a lot of rubber left on a cupped tire, a tire guy might be able to shave off the high spots & salvage it otherwise it has to be replaced. The reason tires cup in the 1st place is bad alignment. Get the car aligned, front and back, before putting on new tires so they won't suffer the same fate.
