Wind noise diagnostics
Attention! The assistant must drive the car, and the specialist must detect the location of the wind noise at this time, in order to avoid injury and damage to the car.
A test drive of the vehicle is necessary to accurately determine the location of the wind noise. Often there is a primary leak and secondary leaks. If all leaks are not repaired, the wind noise will only subside slightly, but will not disappear completely.
During the test drive, the technician should use the following means to determine the location of the wind noise.
- Mechanical stethoscope or vacuum hose
- Insulating tape
- Sealing putty
- Marker
- Screwdriver
To conduct a road test, follow these steps:
1. Choose a route along smooth, straight streets going in all four directions (north, south, east and west).
2. Choose streets where there is no heavy traffic or loud noise that could interfere with the test.
3. Drive the vehicle at the speed at which the noise was noticed by the customer, or accelerate until the noise was noticed. However, do not exceed the speed limit established by law.
4. Wind noise is considered external if at least one of the following circumstances is present:
- Wind noise is caused by the wind.
- Wind noise can be heard when the door glass is down while the vehicle is moving.
- Wind noise is eliminated when the tape is applied to various moldings and gaps.
5. Interior wind noise is created by the air flow coming out of the car. This flow must be eliminated as follows.
- To detect a leak, tape over the pressure equalization valves in the body. This will create air pressure inside the car and increase wind noise.
- Locate the leak using a stethoscope or vacuum hose.
- Temporarily seal the leak with electrical tape.
- Continue testing to determine if all leaks have been detected.
- Once all leaks have been identified, return to the workshop and perform permanent repairs using appropriate leveling techniques and sealing materials.
Wind noise reduction
Fixing wind noise leaks is very similar to fixing water leaks. See section 9I, "Water Leakage". The actual procedure depends on the type of sealant used.
Leaks around door seals do not always indicate that the seals are bad. Adjusting the door or window may solve the problem. See section 9P, "Doors" or section 9L, "Glass and Mirrors".