Bear with me. First post. Did a post search and could not find relevant info.

I drove my sons 2005 Mazda 3 with 91,000 miles to hear a growling noise between 12 and 20 MPH and above that it just seems like loud road noise. Assuming rear wheel bearings I did some turning at that speed and no change in the noise. I applied the brakes and while breaking the growling re-appears from 20 to 12 mph. I jacked the rear wheels off the ground and spun them expecting to feel a bad bearing but both spun smoothly.
I can not identify what side noise is coming from so I am asking for help.
Could something else cause this noise?
Is it a common fault for this car?
Incidentally my 21year old son never heard the noise but just had radio speakers replaced.
Thanks, Chuck E.

 

feel any vibrations? if so, in the pedals or seat/cabin?

 

Thanks for reply.

Yes, pedal and cabin vibes, not pulsation, between 12 and 20 mph. Loud whine afer that. Did rotate tires front to back. Noise now seems from front rather than rear. No visible tire abnormalities. About 35000 miles on Uniroyal Tiger Paws with plenty of tread left. Don't know why they are noisy but tire replacement is my next step. I will hold off on wheel bearings for now.
Thanks again, Chuck E.

 

check to see if the wheels are balanced, should have sticky weights on them, its possible that the rear rim (now on front) may be bent as well

 

I don't know how I missed your original post; sorry about being late to the party.

Regarding your situation with your son's car; I'd lay odds the issues are uneven tread wear. If you rotate the tires you'll probably find the problem moves to the front of the car, and if the rubber is nearly gone and you opt to replace them I suspect the problem will suddenly disappear.