Chevrolet Cruze Repair Manual: Air/Wind Noise
Special Tools
- CH-39570 Chassis Ear
- GE-41416 Ultrasonic Leak Detector
Warning: Refer to Assistant Driving Warning in the Preface section.
To analyze a reported windnoise condition, test drive the vehicle to determine the origin of the noise.
Choose a regular route with smooth and straight streets that run in all 4 directions: North, South, East, and West. The area should have little traffic or little noise in order to eliminate interference with the test.
Note: Often there is one primary leak source and one 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 reduce the condition.
Drive the vehicle at the speed in which the noise was noticed, or until the noise is heard. Maintain safe and legal speeds.
Many of the waterleak diagnosis tests are also used for the windnoise diagnosis.
Most windnoise is caused either by leaking seals or by misaligned body surfaces. You can diagnose the following types of windnoise with the aid of CH-39570 Chassis Ear or GE-41416 Leak Detector .
- Wind whistle
- Wind roar
- Wind rush
When moving at highway speeds, air pressure inside the vehicle becomes greater than the air pressure outside. When a leak occurs, the escaping air causes a hiss or a whistle.
Wind roar occurs when air passes over or through an opening between the 2 body surfaces. To correct the condition, adjust the alignment to the body surfaces.
Wind rush occurs when air presses over the vehicle's body, and is related to the aerodynamics of the vehicle. Wind whistle and wind roar are repairable. Rule out wind whistle and wind roar before concluding that the wind noise is due to wind rush.
Use the following inspections in order to aid in diagnosing wind whistle or wind roar:
- Note the details for wind noise:
- The perceived location
- The location where the noise is loudest
- When the noise occurs
- The vehicle speed
- The interior fan speed
- The position of the windows
- What the noise sounds like
- Inspect the vehicle for the possible cause of the windnoise.
- Test drive the vehicle and determine if the windnoise is external or internal.
- Perform a visual inspection of the following components:
- Loose fasteners
- Torn weatherstrips
- Broken weld joints
- Sealer and/or adhesive skips
Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle
Note: The use of a LOW PROFILE LIFT ARMS SYSTEM may be required to
avoid unwanted contact with the vehicle's body and structure
depending on lifting equipment used. Refer to the manufacture's recom ...
Tracing Powder or Chalk Test
Clean the weatherstrips and the contact surfaces with cleaning solvent.
Apply powder or chalk in an unbroken line to the contact surface of the
weatherstrip surrounding the perimeter of the sus ...
Other materials:
Power Outlets
The accessory power outlets can be used to plug in electrical equipment, such
as a cell phone or MP3 player.
There is one accessory power outlet located on the center floor console and one
on the rear of the center floor console. These outlets are powered when the key
is in ON/ RUN or ACC/ACC ...
Shock Absorber Disposal
Warning: Gas charged shock absorbers contain high pressure gas. Do
not remove the snap ring from inside the top of the tube. If the snap
ring is removed, the contents of the shock absorber will come out with extreme
force which may result in personal injury.
Warning: To prevent personal inju ...
Starter Switch Check
WARNING
When you are doing this inspection, the vehicle could move suddenly. If the
vehicle moves, you or others could be injured.
1. Before starting this check, be sure there is enough room around the vehicle.
2. Firmly apply both the parking brake and the regular brake.
Do not use the accele ...
