Part 2

Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH)





Engine Accessory Test

To carry out this test, proceed as follows:

WARNING: Block all wheels, set the parking brake and firmly apply the service brake to reduce the risk of vehicle movement during this procedure. Failure to follow these instructions may result in serious personal injury.

NOTICE: Limit engine running time to one minute or less with belts removed or serious engine damage will result.

NOTE: Use a frequency measurement tool to pinpoint accessory vibrations. A listening device, such as an EngineEAR, will also help to identify noises from specific accessories.

- Remove the accessory drive belt(s).
- Increase the engine rpm to where the symptom occurs.
- If the vibration/noise is duplicated when carrying out this test, the belt(s) and accessories are not sources.
- If the vibration/noise was not duplicated when carrying out this test, install the accessory belt(s), one at a time, to locate the source.
- If the source of the symptom has been identified as a result of this test, proceed to the appropriate system for further diagnosis and repair. If the source has not been identified, continue with the road test.


Vehicle Cold Soak Procedure

To carry out this procedure, proceed as follows:

- Test preparations include matching customer conditions (if known). If not known, document the test conditions: gear selection and engine rpm. Monitor the vibration/noise duration with a watch for up to 3 minutes.
- Park the vehicle where testing will occur. The vehicle must remain at or below the symptom temperature (if known) for 6-8 hours.
- Before starting the engine, conduct a visual inspection under the hood.
- Turn the key on, but do not start the engine. Listen for the fuel pump, ABS and air suspension system noises.
- Start the engine.
- Isolate the vibration/noise by carefully listening. Move around the vehicle while listening to find the general location of the vibration/noise. Then, search for a more precise location by using a stethoscope or EngineEAR.
- If the source of the symptom has been identified as a result of this test, proceed to the appropriate system for further diagnosis and repair. If the source has not been identified, continue with the road test.


Classify NVH Symptom

For NVH concerns, it is necessary to classify the customer's concern into one of the 3 categories: noise, vibration or harshness. The reason for this is that a customer concern may consist of a combination of symptoms involving noise and vibration, or vibration and harshness. In cases where there are combination symptoms, determine which diagnostic path to follow: noise, vibration or harshness. For example, if a customer has a concern involving a noise and a vibration, and it is determined that it is vehicle speed-related, follow the vibration diagnostic path.


Noise Symptoms

Once a symptom is classified as a noise, the particular conditions under which the noise occurs need to be identified. These conditions are identified and verified during the road test. For example, a noise may only occur while turning. The next step is to determine which systems on the vehicle are related to that condition. In this case, the steering system and wheel/tire system may be suspect. After identifying possible systems, a preliminary inspection of these systems should be done. If the source of noise is still unidentified, use a listening device (such as the ChassisEAR) to pinpoint the source. Once the source has been identified, determine if this source is related to the suspected system previously identified. If it is related, then complete the repair to resolve the customer concern. If it is unrelated, then it is possible that the source of the noise is a reactor to a noise being transmitted through a transfer path. If this is the case, repairing the reactor will not resolve the customer concern. The transfer path must be identified and a determination made if the noise is normal, but accentuated by the transfer path (conductor), or if the originator is the fault causing excessive noise to transfer to another component through a conductor. There is a relationship between systems identified as related to conditions and the noise transfer path. In some cases, the condition under which the noise occurs has nothing to do with the identified source. This relationship is important in the diagnosis of noise concerns. It is the first clue that the identified source of noise might be a reactor and that further investigation is needed to diagnose a possible noise transfer path concern. Based on the results from the road test, make a determination of which action in the symptom chart to take first.


Vibration Symptoms

Most vibrations consist of movements back and forth or up and down that repeat. Every time the vibrating component goes through its complete range of motion and returns to the starting point is called a cycle. The rate at which these cycles occur within a given time is called the frequency. Frequency is measured in cycles per second or Hertz (Hz). One cycle per second equals one Hz. Once the frequency of a vibration is known, calculations can be done to determine the system that is the source of the concern.


Order of Vibration

The order of a vibration refers to how often the vibration is present in one revolution of the component. For example, a vibration that is present once each revolution of a component would be a first order vibration. A vibration present twice each revolution of the component would be a second order vibration. Vibration orders do not have to be whole numbers, they can have decimal values such as 1.5 order vibration or 3.08 order vibration.

The concept of order of vibration is important to remember when the measured frequency of a vibration does not seem to match the frequency calculations of any of the likely systems or components. As the order increases, the frequency of the vibration will also increase by a multiple of that number.

For example, vibration may be present where the frequency is measured at 14 Hz. After doing the necessary calculations it is determined the first order tire and wheel frequency is 7 Hz and the first order driveshaft frequency is 22 Hz. Based on this information it can be determined the vibration is most likely a second order tire and wheel vibration: 7 Hz (first order tire and wheel frequency) multiplied by 2 (second order) equals 14 Hz (second order tire and wheel frequency).


Relationship of Vibration Frequency to Order of Vibration

After carrying out the road test as described, the vibration was determined to be either vehicle-speed related or engine-speed related. That determination will identify the vibration frequency calculations that should be done.





In calculating and using frequency readings, it is important to remember the direct relationship between Hz and rpm. One Hz is equal to 60 rpm. This is easy to remember; think of Hz as cycles per second. There are 60 seconds in a minute, therefore multiply Hz reading by 60 to get rpm. Conversely, divide rpm by 60 to get Hz.

Use the Frequency and RPM Calculations Worksheet to calculate system/component frequencies. The worksheet provides the necessary steps to determine each system/component group frequency.


Frequency Calculations


Calculating Tire and Wheel Frequency

For a vibration concern, use the vehicle speed to determine tire/wheel frequency and rpm. Calculate tire and wheel rpm and frequency by carrying out the following:

- Measure the diameter of the tire.
- Record the speed at which the vibration occurs.
- Obtain the corresponding tire and wheel rpm and frequency from the Tire Speed and Frequency Chart.
- If the vehicle speed is not listed, calculate the tire and wheel frequency as follows:
- Divide the vehicle speed at which the vibration occurs by 16 km/h (10 mph). Multiply that number by the 16 km/h (10 mph) tire rpm listed for that tire diameter in the chart. Then divide that number by 60.
- For example, if calculating the frequency based on vehicle speed in km/h for a 64 km/h vibration with 835 mm tires, divide 64 km/h by 16 km/h = 4. Multiply 4 by 105 rpm = 420. Divide 420 by 60 seconds = 7 Hz at 64 km/h.
- If calculating the frequency based on vehicle speed in mph for a 40 mph vibration with 33 inch tires, divide 40 mph by 10 mph = 4. Multiply 4 by 105 rpm = 420. Divide 420 by 60 seconds = 7 Hz at 40 mph.
- The calculated frequency of 7 Hz is the first order tire and wheel vibration; the second order tire and wheel vibration would be twice this number at 14 Hz; the third order tire and wheel vibration would be 21 Hz; and so on.

Tire Speed and Frequency Chart






Calculating Driveshaft Frequency

Knowing the tire and wheel frequency allows for easy calculation of driveshaft frequency. The driveshaft drives the tires through the rear axle. Therefore, to determine driveshaft frequency, multiply tire and wheel frequency by the ratio of the rear axle. Calculate driveshaft frequency by performing the following steps:

- Obtain the axle ratio of the vehicle. Suppose the vehicle has a vibration problem at 64 km/h (40 mph) and a rear axle ratio of 2.93:1.
- Multiply the tire and wheel frequency of 7 Hz (calculated previously) with the rear axle ratio of 2.93:1. This results in a driveshaft frequency of 21 Hz at a vehicle speed of 64 km/h (40 mph).

The calculated frequency of 21 Hz is the first order driveshaft frequency; the second order frequency of the driveshaft is twice this number, or 42 Hz; and so on.


Calculating Engine Frequency

Use the engine rpm where the vibration symptom occurs to determine engine frequency. Calculate engine frequency by dividing the engine rpm by 60 (the number of seconds in a minute). For example, if the corresponding engine rpm of a vibration concern on a vehicle is 2,400 rpm, the resulting engine frequency is 40 Hz. Therefore, a 40 Hz vibration is a first order engine vibration. For purposes of vibration diagnosis, the engine also includes the torque converter and exhaust system.


Calculating Engine Accessory Frequency

Belt-driven engine accessories often produce vibrations at different frequencies than the engine itself. This is because the drive ratio created by the different size pulleys causes them to rotate at different speeds. Determining engine accessory frequency is comparable to calculating driveshaft frequency.

Calculate engine accessory frequency by performing the following steps:

- Determine the size ratio factor between the accessory pulley and the crankshaft pulley. For example, if the diameter of the crankshaft pulley is 6 inches and the accessory pulley diameter is 2 inches, the accessory pulley rotates 3 times for every crankshaft rotation (6 divided by 2).
- Multiply the engine rpm where the vibration condition occurs by the number of times the accessory pulley is rotating per crankshaft revolution. For example, if the engine rpm is 2,400 rpm, the accessory is rotating at 7,200 rpm (2,400 rpm multiplied by 3).
- Divide the accessory rpm by 60 (the number of seconds in a minute). In this example, the engine accessory frequency is 120 Hz (7,200 divided by 60).


Calculating Engine Firing Frequency

Engine firing frequency is a term used to describe the pulses an engine creates from the firing of the cylinders. Engine firing frequency depends on how many cylinders an engine has. The number of times an engine fires a cylinder with each crankshaft revolution is equal to one-half the number of cylinders. A 4-cylinder engine fires 2 cylinders with each crankshaft revolution. Two revolutions of the crankshaft fire all 4 cylinders. A 6-cylinder engine fires 3 cylinders with each crankshaft revolution. An 8-cylinder engine fires 4 cylinders for each crankshaft revolution.

Calculate engine firing frequency by performing the following steps:

- Multiply the engine rpm where the vibration symptom occurs by the number of cylinders fired with each crankshaft revolution. For example, a vehicle with a 6-cylinder engine experiences a vibration concern at 2,400 rpm. The engine is firing the cylinders at 7,200 times per minute (3 multiplied by 2,400).
- Divide this number by 60 (the number of seconds in a minute) to obtain the engine firing frequency. In this example, the engine firing frequency is 120 Hz (7,200 divided by 60) at 2,400 rpm.


Frequency and RPM Calculations Worksheet

Frequency And RPM Calculations:

Harshness Symptoms

Harshness is customer perception which gives the impression of no isolation from the tire/wheel and suspension system. Harshness may be caused by road conditions, temperature changes, component damage and/or incorrect customer modifications on original components/specifications. Customers usually experience harshness when the vehicle is driving over bumps or potholes and in cold weather conditions. Harshness can also be experienced with excessive tire pressure, sporty tires, heavy-duty springs and shocks, or other vehicle modifications. Some aftermarket tires, even with the correct size, may change vehicle behavior and produce customer concerns. The first step in diagnosing a harshness concern is to determine if the concern was experienced only in certain specific operating conditions, such as large potholes or extremely cold weather. In these cases, harshness should be considered normal. A known good vehicle can be driven under the same conditions and the rides can be compared to determine whether the concern is normal or vehicle specific. The second step is to check tire pressure and make sure it was set within vehicle specifications. The third step is to inspect for aftermarket or modified components and determine if they are the cause of the harshness complaint. If the harshness concern persists after the above steps, it is possible that some components are damaged. Based on the results from the road test, make a determination of which action in the symptom chart to take first.


NVH Symptom Chart Categories

A good diagnostic process is a logical sequence of steps that lead to the identification of a causal system. Use the symptom and possible system categories as follows:

- Identify the operating condition that the vehicle is exhibiting.
- Match the operating condition to the symptom.
- Verify the symptom.
- Calculate the frequency and order of the symptom.
- Identify which category or system(s) could cause the symptom.
- Refer to the system indicated to identify and diagnose the symptom or confirm that the system is not the source of the condition.

Use the diagnostic instructions along with the necessary listed tools to identify the vibration order and to isolate the symptom and the possible systems associated with that symptom. Then based on the results from the road test, make a determination of which action in the symptom chart to take first. Since it is possible any one of multiple systems may be the cause of the symptom, it may be necessary to use a process of elimination type diagnostic approach to pinpoint the concern. Refer to the system(s) indicated to identify and isolate the cause or rule that system out as being the causal system for the symptom.


Vehicle-Speed Related Vibrations

NOTE: Any assembly that is out of balance will only cause a first order vibration, it will not cause a higher order vibration.

When a vehicle-speed related vibration is present, both tire-speed related vibration and driveshaft-speed related vibration calculations should be carried out.


Symptom Chart - Tire-Speed Related Vibrations






Symptom Chart - Driveshaft-Speed Related Vibrations






Symptom Chart - Engine-Speed Related Vibrations






Symptom Chart - Noise, Air Leaks or Water Leaks






Symptom Chart - Harshness