Pulsating Droning noise, sounds like bearing

Discussion in 'Clarity' started by tterag, Feb 16, 2019.

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  1. tterag

    tterag Member

    I have a 2018 with 17k miles. I'm noticing an annoying harmonic droning coming from the front of the car. It is very noticeable on smooth roads at lower speeds (25-40) and very pronounced at highway speeds. It can be felt in the steering wheel and floorboards lightly.

    Doesn't matter which mode the car is in or if the ICE is running or not.

    Best onomatopoeia I can offer is: waaaaaoooohhmmm waaaaoooohhmmmm

    The frequency of the noise is affected by speed but not by as high a ratio as I would expect if it were wheel related. The frequency increases with speed, but disproportionate to the speed of tire rotation. Trying to find a way to say it that makes sense. Not sure I'm winning.

    Took it to the dealer and went for a ride with the tech. He heard it and reported it to whatever tech gods they send stuff off to and are waiting for a reply.

    Any thoughts?
     
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  3. KentuckyKen

    KentuckyKen Well-Known Member

    Since it appears to be speed sensitive it’s almost certainly in the drive train somewhere. The first thing I would do is balance and rotate the tires, and have them checked for abnormal wear/out of round issues. Tire problems are often a cause and I would want to try the cheapest fix first. Take it to an experienced and reputable tire shop and not the monkeys at Wally World or the non-tire trained techs at a dealer. Please keep us updated on the solution.
     
  4. tterag

    tterag Member

    I was looking at the tires this morning and noticed that the rear tires are now on the front, so the Honda tech must have thought that and rotated them. The humming is still present.
     
  5. KentuckyKen

    KentuckyKen Well-Known Member

    Did he balance them and check for out of roundness? However swapping front to back with no improvement tends to argue against a tire problem.
     
  6. tterag

    tterag Member

    I'm not sure. He didn't even mention it to me other than it might be something he would try. I'm quite sensitive to tires that are out of balance and round and this is not at all what this problem feels like. It's a very fine vibration/hum that rolls in and out in two second waves.
     
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  8. rodeknyt

    rodeknyt Active Member

    Not to leave any stone unturned, are the acoustic plugs installed under the car? Maybe that’s what is causing the noise.
     
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  9. tterag

    tterag Member

    Okay, I've searched the forum, what are acoustic plugs and where are they located?
     
  10. KentuckyKen

    KentuckyKen Well-Known Member

    4 oblong rubber plugs that cover 4 holes used as tiedown points during shipping.
    Here’s a pix of their locations.
    62C1CCB4-BFA6-4BE1-80C5-913FBAE80331.png
     

    Attached Files:

  11. tterag

    tterag Member

    Just went out and laid on the cold concrete. They are not present and was totally shocked to see felt under there.
     
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  13. KentuckyKen

    KentuckyKen Well-Known Member

    Here is a link to a thread discussing all our surprise at and some possible reasons for having felt like material under the car and in the wheel wells.

    https://www.insideevsforum.com/community/index.php?threads/puddles-of-water-after-driving-through-rain.4745/#post-49890

    Also, if your dealer omitted them, they may have not reduced the tire pressure from the 50 psi shipping pressure to the correct 36 psi. In fact, you should check everything!
     
  14. tterag

    tterag Member

    Purchased certified used and BC Honda is usually pretty good about getting cars set up. I'm guessing the original dealer in Omaha is responsible.

    Any chance you know the part numbers for those. I'm having trouble find schematics on the parts sites. I did find some parts labeled "Plug, Tie down" 90852-TRT-A01, but without the image I can't be sure.
     
  15. Sandroad

    Sandroad Well-Known Member

    Yes, that's the part number for the plugs.

    Also, don't assume the tires are ok, even though it seems the noise is not associated with wheel speed. Tire problems can have weird effects. If nothing else, rotate front to back and see if anything changes.
     
  16. I’ve nothing invested in this race but I’m curious to hear the outcome of all this.


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  17. tterag

    tterag Member

    Picked up plugs this morning and installed them. Cabin seems quieter (placebo?), but the droning is still present. Rear tires were also moved forward and tire pressures are correct.

    Tech hadn't talked to the gods yet, so still waiting to hear back on that.
     
  18. PascoClarity

    PascoClarity New Member

    Had a similar noise in mine, took it in and they found the right front wheel bearing bad. Being replaced now, I should get it back today.
     
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  19. PascoClarity

    PascoClarity New Member

    Got the car back after the bearing was replaced, all is good. Back to eerie quiet. Had all 4 SBs done as well. They had the parts in stock for the SBs but had to wait for the wheel bearing. Go figure.
     
  20. tterag

    tterag Member

    Ok, sorry, SB?
     
  21. PascoClarity

    PascoClarity New Member

    service bulletin.
    copied from another thread these are the 4 that they installed;
    18-090: 6VT00, EVTC Failure Misdirection PUD
    18-091: Driver Display Software Update (Mileage) (this replaces 18-069)
    18-096: 6CW00, Emissions Warranty CD Product Update
    18-097, charging problems (sensitivity to power fluctuations at public chargers)
     
  22. tterag

    tterag Member

    HA! Yes. I'm going back in tomorrow to have the bearings inspected.
     
  23. tterag

    tterag Member

    Well, interesting. Took it in and they replaced the drivers side front bearing. The tech said he didn’t really hear anything different between the two fronts but replaced it anyway. Vibration still present but not nearly as annoying. Could both fronts be bad at 17k. Seems odd.


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