2001 Camry LE - humming/vibration sound

First, I am not here to lecture on doing over 83 mph and am fully aware there are highways that have speed limits as high as 85, been there done that. However on a 15 year old car you need to have some TLC, a bit of 'old folks' treatment. To begin with, pull the transmission dipstick and put it right under you nose. It should have an odor of oil, ATF, and not a burnt smell. And/or if the fluid is not a nice red bright pink --them that indicates a problem. Might need flush. A flush is a temporary way of getting a few more miles out if an already worn out transmission. I preach the evils of trans flushes all the time.. but only on low-mileage, newer transmissions.... a flush will do more harm than benefit. One solution is slow down to ..say... 75? Are you going to get 'there' any sooner? Like 5 mimutes? You will tax your transmission far less, it will not get as hot, and you will get where you want to get. Best wishes, Be safe

How is the wear on the inside edges of your front tires? If you jack up the front end or remove a tire, are they bald on either the inside edges or outside edge? Also check the motor mount on the left top of the engine by the passenger side. It looks like a dog bone. Should be a couple of round rubber donuts in it. I've had those crack and break on my older Camry. I would most likely suspect your issue to be tranny related like Fordnut suggested or tires.

FordNut, thank you so much. And you are correct regarding the speed. And I will definitely check the transmission fluid. Since the car is so important I do keep the maintenance up. Actually, I'm always told the car is in excellent shape for 2001. I will check these great suggestions out and I may come back to get more input, if you don't mind. Thank you and unfortunately, it makes this sound when I'm going 68 mph too. But I sure do appreciate the words of wisdom. Thank you FordNut. Reelin68, thanks for your inquiry regarding the tires. They are brand new tires and I balance and align them every 6 months. And yes, it was doing this with the priior tires too. I think they did check the motor mounts but I will definitely have them checked again especially in that area. That is also very helpful. Well I thought the same thing about the transmission since everything else was checked. I just don't want to speed hundreds of dollars until I feel we have ruled other ideas out. Thank you both! I really appreciate it >)

You might consider this simple check of the tranny/drive train cause of this issue. Drive this vehicle down the highway at the speed of worst vibration. Slip her into NEUTRAL and maintain the same engine RPM you noticed at the time of peak vibration. Does the Vib. change in intensity? I'm thinking perhaps a bad tire...or...drive axle. BTW..."new" tires do not guarantee GOOD tires. One or more of those "new" tires could have a TREAD SEPERATION problem.

Hi Lastchancegarage: Ok, great, thanks for the information. I really appreciate it.