Air/Wind Noise

Air/Wind Noise

Tools Required
* J 39570 Chassis Ear
* J 41416 Ultrasonic Leak Detector

Caution: Refer to Assistant Driving Caution in Service Precautions.

To analyze a reported wind noise condition, test drive the vehicle to determine the origin of the noise.

Choose a regular route with smooth and straight streets that run in all 4 directions: North, South, East, and West. The area should have little traffic or little noise in order to eliminate interference with the test.

Important: Often there is one primary leak source and one or more secondary leaks that contribute to the noise condition. Repairing only one 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 water leak diagnosis tests are also used for the wind noise diagnosis.

Most wind noise is caused either by leaking seals or by misaligned body surfaces. You can diagnose the following types of wind noise with the aid of J 41416 or J 39570 :

* Wind whistle
* Wind roar
* Wind rush

When moving at highway speeds, air pressure inside the vehicle becomes 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 the 2 body surfaces. To correct the condition, adjust the alignment to the body surfaces.

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

Use the following inspections in order to aid in diagnosing wind whistle or wind roar:

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 wind noise.
3. Test drive the vehicle and determine if the wind noise is external or internal.
4. Perform a visual inspection of the following components:

* Loose fasteners
* Torn weatherstrips
* Broken weld joints
* Sealer and/or adhesive skips