Strange plastic noise during highway driving

[Yota_Noob]

This may be a long shot as I found absolutely nothing after searching through noise threads. It only seems to do it during highway speeds or when driving on rough roads causing vibration through the vehicle. At first it was just from the drivers side, like around the foot area but definitely outside of the vehicle, now it's noticeable on the passenger side and sometimes from the rear. It sounds like plastic components rattling or smacking something. When on the highway 50-70mph is really the only time it does it, cross winds make it worse, and if I'm "drafting" or am behind someone it gets pretty bad, especially when behind a semi. I've removed the front mud flaps and nothing changed. I'm starting to think its the plastic molding on the bottom half of the doors. ANY help would be appreciated as its getting pretty annoying

 

[TechWrench]

Check the plastic body parts around the inside of each wheel well and those under the front bumper cover. I had a similar problem with the wifes X5 about a month ago, and it was the plastic cover between the bumper cover and the wheel well that was loose. When the vehicle got going fast enough, the wind would push it back into the tire and cause the noise.

 

[Yota_Noob]

Check the plastic body parts around the inside of each wheel well and those under the front bumper cover. I had a similar problem with the wifes X5 about a month ago, and it was the plastic cover between the bumper cover and the wheel well that was loose. When the vehicle got going fast enough, the wind would push it back into the tire and cause the noise.

I'll have to get it up on a lift and check that stuff out, thanks man

 

[ghs215]

check the roof rack...make sure its tight and in the correct location

 

[Greydog]

The front clip on the side lower trim panel on the outside of the door can also loosen and make noise from the wind at speed.

 

[ben550]

This may be a long shot as I found absolutely nothing after searching through noise threads. It only seems to do it during highway speeds or when driving on rough roads causing vibration through the vehicle. At first it was just from the drivers side, like around the foot area but definitely outside of the vehicle, now it's noticeable on the passenger side and sometimes from the rear. It sounds like plastic components rattling or smacking something. When on the highway 50-70mph is really the only time it does it, cross winds make it worse, and if I'm "drafting" or am behind someone it gets pretty bad, especially when behind a semi. I've removed the front mud flaps and nothing changed. I'm starting to think its the plastic molding on the bottom half of the doors. ANY help would be appreciated as its getting pretty annoying

check the roof rack...make sure its tight and in the correct location

It is most likely your roof rack. Tighten the crossbars on the roof rack or slide one side or each cross bar forward or backward a bit to put tension on it. I had the same issue you are describing. sounded like a mud flap from the right rear. I did everything but finally noticed that the roof rack was loose when washing it one day and the noise was gone.

 

[preacher35]

Check the plastic body parts around the inside of each wheel well and those under the front bumper cover. I had a similar problem with the wifes X5 about a month ago, and it was the plastic cover between the bumper cover and the wheel well that was loose. When the vehicle got going fast enough, the wind would push it back into the tire and cause the noise.

THIS! My '05 had this exact same issue. It started on a road trip and drove me bonkers until I figured it out. The damn wheel well liner was "blowing back" at high speeds and rubbing against the tire tread.

 

[Yota_Noob]

Thanks for all the suggestions guys. I'll have to look into all of these things and see what I can find. I does sound like it's coming from the wheel well area so I'm interested to see if that's the problem. I'll have to get back to everyone with what I find over the next few weeks

 

[Yota_Noob]

The front clip on the side lower trim panel on the outside of the door can also loosen and make noise from the wind at speed.

That's what I'm thinking it is. I can tell it's coming from outside the truck and that its on the other side of the door. It looks like it's held on by some kind of adhesive tape and I'm assuming plastic clips so I guess I just need to pull it off and see what I can find. Any experience with removing those?

 

[delta265]

Did you ever resolve this? I have a similar noise, driving me batty.

 

[84ability]

+1 on checking the roof rack crossbar bolts

 

[Billynath1988]

roof rack or wheel well liner.

 

[AZ4]

Mine is doing the same from the drivers side wheel well.

Just got 285 tires, front bumper trimmed and front mud flaps removed to make them fit.

I'll check all the paneling and report back.

 

[mhallum1]

I have a 2006 SR5 V8. Mine is doing the exact same thing. I have checked the mud flaps and they are secure, the body molding is tight, the roof rack is secure and tight. It really sounds like something is loose inside the door but I am not sure. Does anybody have any other suggestions?

 

[wv_lx450]

mine had a plastic clicking, tapping noise only at highway speeds and ended up being the plastic body cladding on the drivers door right at the front, bottom corner of the door. some the clips werent holding it tight any more but they werent broken. they just had enough play in them to let the cladding rattle in the wind so i just stuffed some weatherstripping foam between the cladding and the door and it has been rattle free for a year or so.

 

[BackOff]

How about...

Engine/wheel well splash guards.
Broken 'buttons' the little plastic things that hold the splash guards in.
Or torn holes in the rubber of the splash guards causing the thing to flap in the wind.

...makes for a messy engine bay too.