Air/Wind Noise

Air/Wind Noise





In order to analyze a reported windnoise condition, test drive the vehicle. Many variables exist that may singularly or collectively create the objectionable noise.

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

Choose a regular route in order to road test the vehicle:

* Perform the test road in an area that includes smooth and straight streets that run in the following 4 directions:

- North
- South
- East
- West

* Perform the road test in an area where there is little traffic that may interfere with the test.
* Perform the road test in an area where there is little noise that may interfere with the test.

Important: Do not exceed safe, legal speeds.

Drive the vehicle at the speed in which the noise was first noticed by the owner, or until the noise is heard.

Important: Often there is 1 primary leak source and 1 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 serve to reduce the condition.

The windnoise diagnosis also uses many of the waterleak diagnosis tests.

One of the following conditions may cause most windnoise:

* Leaking seals
* Misaligned body surfaces

The following conditions are the 3 basic types of windnoise:

* Whistle
* Roar
* Rush

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

Wind roar is caused by air passing over or through an opening between 2 body surfaces. Adjustments to the body surfaces may correct wind roar.

Air pressing over the vehicle's body causes wind rush. Wind rush is related to the aerodynamics of the vehicle. Both wind whistle and wind roar are serviceable. Rule out the wind whistle and wind roar before concluding that a windnoise is due to wind rush.

Diagnose wind whistle or wind roar as follows:

1. Make note of the following details of the windnoise:

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

2. Inspect the vehicle for the possible cause(s) of the windnoise.
3. Test drive the vehicle in order to determine if the windnoise is external or internal.
4. Perform a visual inspection for the following conditions:

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