I have a 2007 Ford Focus wagon (I know, ha ha ) that's my daily driver work car. I'm getting a loud road noise type sound from the rear tires. It's a fast low droning sound , like " row, row, row , row ". So I've replace the tires, no change and replaced the wheel bearings, no change. The shocks will need replaced soon, but I wouldn't think that would cause the noise. What else could it be ? It has drum brakes on the rear but they are working properly with maybe 40% left on shoes. I drive a hour to work every day one way and at 60 mph the noise is driving me nuts ! It's most noticeable between 40 and 60 mph. Any suggestions ? thanks

How long has it been happening? My first look would be the shoes and make sure the adjuster hasn't kicked them out of line or to tight. After that.... you're describing a rotational noise so get it on jackstands and give the tire a spin.

Did you put truck tires on it? Sometimes they are noisy.
just

Just for the simple look. Make sure all the back windows are wound up and tight.

The way new cars are made now when you have a back window down slightly it makes a sound similar to what you're describing.

I really started to notice it a few month ago, I had factory spec Mastercraft tires put on it, and when I spin the wheel all looks and sounds good. Spins easy with slight drag from brakes. I'm sure the windows are up but I'll check to be sure.

wheel bearings...... 100%

I just replaced both because I was sure that was it. No dice, but they were worn, one fell apart.

That is where I would start looking. Broken belt in tire will do weird things. Egged rim maybe or crooked rims. Look for uneven wear or bulges. Your beast also runs a center support bearing. Sound can transmit funny. Check U-joints as well.

okay I'll check those out. Thanks

Noise could be coming from the front. Noises can transmit in funny ways sometimes. While it's making the noise, steer back and forth to transfer weight from left to right. That will tell you if it's on the right or left side. If you can isolate it to one side or the other, switch tires side to side to see if the noise changes sides. If it does, you have a tire issue. If not, you have a wheel bearing issue. Also the right front axle may have a center support bearing, they can sometimes make all kinds of funny noises. If you cant isolate it to tires or wheel bearings, put it up on jackstands and see if it still makes the sound. Wheels and tires wont make a sound up in the air because there is no weight on them, but the support bearing will.

I’ve seen a u-joint make a low sound like that.

Is it front or rear wheel drive. If rear, is it in the the differential?

Front wheel drive. I'll jack it up this weekend and see what I can find out. Everyone that has rode with me says sound coming from driver side rear tire.

Check the wheel axle or jack shaft whatever it’s called.

sounds like a wheel bearing as others have said. sometimes it hard to tell which side, and sometimes front or rear. I put them up on the lift and spin them by hand and most times ya can hear the bad one that way.

Swap tires front to back. If the sound transfers it's the tires otherwise drivetrain.

Sounds can be hard to pinpoint. Be certain it's the rear. Could be front bearing.

No drivetrain in the back. It's either tires, bearing, shocks, brakes or body bushing not much more is back there! LOL