Strange High-Pitched Sound

M

matt11601

New member
Hey guys,
When driving on the highway between 75 - 80 mph, I can hear this high-pitched sound when there's a slight breeze or if it's really windy. If it's really windy, the sound can be heard when I drive slower. It sounds like it's coming from the the front of me and towards my left. It's really annoying and does not happen too often, but when it does it drives me crazy. At YotaTech, they said it could be:

1. Hole(s) in the firewall
2. Gap in vent visors
3. Problem with the door jamb

I thought the problem was related to the vent visors because I do have those, but then I saw this the other day (pictures):

http://photos12.flickr.com/18596083_9a6e31431e.jpg
http://photos12.flickr.com/18596084_ac2be9901f.jpg

It looks like an opening right above my tire. I tried to get underneathe and see the opening, but couldn't get far enough. Do you guys think that's the more likely source of my problem? If so, how would I go about fixing it? I'm a complete a noob, but I would rather learn to fix it myself then take it to a shop. Thanks for any help you can offer.

-Matt

P.S. 2000 4R SR5 if that makes any difference.
 
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The gap you have is normal, I just took a look at my 2000. I don't see why that would make the noise you mentioned, I've never heard anything like what you described. How long have you had the truck, is the sound new or has it always been like that. These trucks do have wind noise on the highway, maybe it's just normal.
 
We got the 4R at an auction so the problem could have been their with the previous owner or it could have come up when we had it. I do not know hear the sound everytime I drive, but when I do it's very annoying. I know the difference between regular wind noise and my problem and I'm sure my problem isn't normal.
 
Suggestions:
Check your windshield. My old '97 had a windshield replaced before I purchased it, but they didn't do a great job sealing it.
Leroy
 
ice2000 said:
Suggestions:
Check your windshield. My old '97 had a windshield replaced before I purchased it, but they didn't do a great job sealing it.
Leroy
Click to expand...

How would I know what to look for?
 
have you had the belts looked at / replaced?

they tend to chirp at certain RPM's if they are weak.
 
i have a similar issue. I feel it is the mirrors because unlike other suvs, the t4r has truck mirrors rather than the aerodynamic (yet less useful) car mirrors. Also, before i got the truck from my dad, he managed to take the bottom left corner out of the drivers side mirror housing. I'm pretty sure thats the cause of the whistling noise i hear at high speeds.

However, the black rubber used for sealing the windshield sticks off of the car at the tope (i think it's supposed to be glued down, any suggestions on how to put it back if necessary? ie what type of adhesive?) I do hear a lot of wind noise at high speeds, even with all the windows closed. It'd be nice to get rid of all that noise.

To sum it up: I hear a lot of whistling while driving at high speeds and i feel its caused by either my mirrors, possibly the molding around the windshield coming up, or maybe both....or it could just be driving 90 on the highway, who knows. I thought the whistling sounds were standard with t4rs but if we could get rid of it id love it.
 
jpless said:
i have a similar issue. I feel it is the mirrors because unlike other suvs, the t4r has truck mirrors rather than the aerodynamic (yet less useful) car mirrors. Also, before i got the truck from my dad, he managed to take the bottom left corner out of the drivers side mirror housing. I'm pretty sure thats the cause of the whistling noise i hear at high speeds.

However, the black rubber used for sealing the windshield sticks off of the car at the tope (i think it's supposed to be glued down, any suggestions on how to put it back if necessary? ie what type of adhesive?) I do hear a lot of wind noise at high speeds, even with all the windows closed. It'd be nice to get rid of all that noise.

To sum it up: I hear a lot of whistling while driving at high speeds and i feel its caused by either my mirrors, possibly the molding around the windshield coming up, or maybe both....or it could just be driving 90 on the highway, who knows. I thought the whistling sounds were standard with t4rs but if we could get rid of it id love it.
Click to expand...

I hear ya about the wind noise. From what I understand, 4R's are notorious for wind noise, which is why I was thinking about putting in sound proofing. (Write-Up here: http://www.4runners.org/articles/sound/)

But, you're the second person who has pointed out the windshield molding, so I may start there.
 
My 1998 runner and my girls 2006 Scion Xb both make this sound when it's windy:

https://youtu.be/2gS4vM0OXo4

It sounds like it's coming from the steering column. I was thinking it had to do with the power steering as both vehicles have been in front end collisions previously but I found the above video on a taco forum so now I'm not sure.

Anyone else experience this whistle/houl? At first I thought it was an alarm. Lol. It can get very loud but only occurs in heavier cross winds.
 
I think I'd start with putting masking tape around the windshield trim and see if the problem changes. Same with the mirrors - maybe tape a plastic bag around them - anything to disrupt air flow.

If you really want to get in to it you could rig up a "Blower door" setup and go over all of the weather seals with chalk dust or something.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blower_door
 
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