My 2008 Elantra w/automaticis wonderful, except it makes this noise until in top gear and cruising along. What's making this sound? I can drown it out with the radio, but it's a bit annoying.

 

Hard to say without actually hearing it. Could be wheel bearings, maybe a CV joint, could even be internal transmission problems. I'd get it looked at (or listened to) by a mechanic.

 

Thanks for the reply, NovaR, but this sound has been there since new (5 miles) and now with 900 miles, sounds the same. I understand the buzziness of 4-cylinder engines, but this is more like a moan in the lower gears, then is gone in top gear (automatic with overdrive). I almost would think it is the intake plenum resonating (as it's close to the firewall, it would be noticeable)or timing camgears, chain, belt or whatever this engine uses. The service guy says they all do this, but he doesn't know the source of the noise. I'll try to apply a sound-deadening blanket to the intake and air filter boxand see what happens.