Air/Wind Noise

Air/Wind Noise

Caution: An assistant should drive the vehicle while the technician checks for the location of the reported condition. Otherwise, personal injury could result.


In order to analyze a reported windnoise condition, test drive the vehicle in order to determine the origin of the noise.


Choose a regular route for the road test. Ensure that the road is smooth and straight. Ensure that the area has little traffic or little noise in order to eliminate interference with the test.


Ensure that the streets run in the following 4 directions:

* North
* South
* East
* West


Important: Often there is 1 primary leak source and 1 or more secondary leaks that contribute to the noise condition. Repairing only 1 of the contributing leak sources may not completely repair the total condition, but only reduce the condition.



Drive the vehicle at the speed in which the noise was noticed, or until the noise is heard. Maintain safe and legal speeds.


Many of the waterleak diagnosis tests are also used for the windnoise diagnosis.


Most of the windnoise is caused by either leaking seals or misaligned body surfaces. The following conditions are the 3 basic types of wind noises:

* Whistle
* Roar
* Rush


When moving at highway speeds, air pressure inside the vehicle becomes significantly greater than the air pressure outside. When a leak occurs, the escaping air causes a hiss or a whistle.


Wind roar occurs when air passes over or through an opening between 2 body surfaces. Adjust the alignment of the body surfaces in order to correct the condition.


Wind rush occurs when air presses over the vehicle's body. Wind rush is related to the aerodynamics of the vehicle. Wind whistle and wind roar are serviceable. Rule out wind whistle and wind roar before concluding that the wind noise is due to wind rush.


Diagnose wind whistle or wind roar using the following procedure:

1. Note the details for wind noise:

* The perceived location
* The location where the noise is loudest
* When the noise occurs
* The vehicle speed
* The interior fan speed
* The position of the windows
* What the noise sounds like

2. Inspect the vehicle for the possible cause of the windnoise.
3. Test drive the vehicle in order to determine if the windnoise is external or internal.
4. Inspect the vehicle for the following conditions:

* Loose fasteners
* Torn weather-strips
* Broken weld joints
* Sealer and/or adhesive skips