Road noise - source?

[SpringHorn]

I am getting a lot of road noise when I drive my 2001 Expedition. I thought it was the tires since they had 70000 miles on them. But I replaced them with new Michelins and am still getting more road noise than normal. Interestingly, the noise stops completely when I gradually turn right through a curve in the road, but not when I veer left. I know there are several possible reasons for the noise(wheel bearings, U-joint, etc.), but I wondered if the silence when I turn right might point to one particular problem. I will probably take it in to a mechanic, but it's nice having some grasp of the problem before talking to him.

 

[accuratehorn]

You have a failing wheel bearing-this is exactly how I test drive cars to tell if the noise is tires or wheel bearings. Tires make the same noises, but don't change when going from right to left. If the noise is louder when you veer to the right, the problem is in the left wheel bearing, probably front. If it is louder when you go to the left, the problem is on the right side (the loaded side).
Slight possibility the noise is something else, like a bearing in the differential, but that is relatively rare (although I am speaking from experience on mainly Hondas and Toyotas).
You owe me a beer.

 

[SpringHorn]

Thanks accuratehorn,
I do owe you a cold one. If I ever get the opportunity to pay the debt, it will be money well spent.