Resolution to flutter at 25-30 mph

[beachrob]

I haven't seen this solution among the 160-replies in this thread...but check your cabin air filter if you have any sound of a flutter/ticking or whatever one might want to call it.
My cabin air filter had some leaves and other debris on it and was the culprit for the annoying noise between ~25 and 38 MPH.
It seems like outside air may enter from the cowl at this speed range and cause a vibration of debris on the cabin air filter; which sounds like it's from the console or passenger side of the car.
In theory...this is a cheap fix (~$20 for the filter); but when the dealership diagnoses this as the culprit it's a cool $200. Hello generic TP and potato chips for a few months

 

[TinsleyC]

I haven't seen this solution among the 160-replies in this thread...but check your cabin air filter if you have any sound of a flutter/ticking or whatever one might want to call it.
My cabin air filter had some leaves and other debris on it and was the culprit for the annoying noise between ~25 and 38 MPH.
It seems like outside air may enter from the cowl at this speed range and cause a vibration of debris on the cabin air filter; which sounds like it's from the console or passenger side of the car.
In theory...this is a cheap fix (~$20 for the filter); but when the dealership diagnoses this as the culprit it's a cool $200. Hello generic TP and potato chips for a few months

Regarding the issue everyone else is having - you got lucky! I think anyone here with a transmission / drivetrain issue would love to have your problem.

For me, it was a darn rattle that I couldn't find for months. Finally discovered it was the sunglasses rattling around in the sunglass holder.

 

[Francism.ca]

It's a shame this was never solved. I have a 2015 AWD and it's been fluttering for years.

I've gone through multiple sets of tires, cabin air filters, new wheels, triple checked all clips on the bottom. It has nothing to do with wind noise. It has nothing to do with flat tires. It has nothing to do with engine RPM. I've had it into the dealership twice to fix this noise. Both times they've said they couldn't reproduce the sound (aka wont fix).

I am convinced the sound is coming from the driveshaft assembly and, after nearly 100,000 km on this car, realizing that this is just something I will need to live with.

Every time Hyundai puts out a recall I am secretly hoping it's going to be for this noise but I don't think it will ever come as it's clearly not hazardous just annoying.

Everything else has been absolutely pristine with this car. I've had no major issues besides the regular maintenance. I'm going to keep driving this car until it breaks down on the side of the road.

I have no regrets, but I would be cautious about buying another Genesis simply due to the fact that things like this are too rare and proper Genesis dealerships are too sparse. I've even been denied service at Hyundai dealerships that don't have a Genesis arm. If I was driving another more common brand I feel like this stuff would be sorted out by now.

Going to stay monitoring this thread on the off chance someone discovers something but I guess it is what it is.

 

[Genesis5]

It's a shame this was never solved. I have a 2015 AWD and it's been fluttering for years.

I've gone through multiple sets of tires, cabin air filters, new wheels, triple checked all clips on the bottom. It has nothing to do with wind noise. It has nothing to do with flat tires. It has nothing to do with engine RPM. I've had it into the dealership twice to fix this noise. Both times they've said they couldn't reproduce the sound (aka wont fix).

I am convinced the sound is coming from the driveshaft assembly and, after nearly 100,000 km on this car, realizing that this is just something I will need to live with.

Every time Hyundai puts out a recall I am secretly hoping it's going to be for this noise but I don't think it will ever come as it's clearly not hazardous just annoying.

Everything else has been absolutely pristine with this car. I've had no major issues besides the regular maintenance. I'm going to keep driving this car until it breaks down on the side of the road.

I have no regrets, but I would be cautious about buying another Genesis simply due to the fact that things like this are too rare and proper Genesis dealerships are too widespread. I've even been denied service at Hyundai dealerships that don't have a Genesis arm. If I was driving another more common brand I feel like this stuff would be sorted out by now.

Going to stay monitoring this thread on the off chance someone discovers something but I guess it is what it is.

Just had my driveshaft replaced at 73K last week and it hasn't fluttered since. 2015 5.0.

 

[okcguy]

Just had my driveshaft replaced at 73K last week and it hasn't fluttered since. 2015 5.0.

I'd expect it not to, just being a week old. Give it 10~20k mile break in period and report back

 

[Genesis5]

I'd expect it not to, just being a week old. Give it 10~20k mile break in period and report back

Hope you’re wrong, but understand what you’re saying.

 

[Guliscool]

Well I’ve read almost every reply under this thread and other similar threads, seems to be no real fix to this issue. I have the 2015 3.8 AWD tech package, and I have vibrations and flutter at the 25-30mph range. More noticeable when there is cold weather or if the car was in the garage overnight. The vibration has got worse as the days go by, the fluttering has always been there. I’ve put new tires on balanced and aligned so that’s how I know it’s the drive train. I’ve also heard that it could be related to the transfer case. I’m shocked no one has put a camera under the car yet and recorded the sound yet get some type of visual picture. Always I’ll still be reading these threads in hope of a true permanent fix

 

[Alfer]

I was under the assumption that replacing the propeller shaft (per TSB 20-DS-002H) resolved the issue.

https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2020/MC-10180995-0001.pdf

 

[Francism.ca]

Very interesting. I haven't seen that document before. Seems like that settles it.

Now the next step is getting an overworked service department to act on a process that includes multiple subjective decision steps, multiple test drives, and a bunch of very precise measurements...

 

[TinsleyC]

Well I’ve read almost every reply under this thread and other similar threads, seems to be no real fix to this issue. I have the 2015 3.8 AWD tech package, and I have vibrations and flutter at the 25-30mph range. More noticeable when there is cold weather or if the car was in the garage overnight. The vibration has got worse as the days go by, the fluttering has always been there. I’ve put new tires on balanced and aligned so that’s how I know it’s the drive train. I’ve also heard that it could be related to the transfer case. I’m shocked no one has put a camera under the car yet and recorded the sound yet get some type of visual picture. Always I’ll still be reading these threads in hope of a true permanent fix

Did you see this one? Arcman put microphones under his car. He also later removed the rear driveshaft and the flutter went away.

Thread 'Say Goodbye to the Flat Spotted Tires / Shuttering Theory' Say Goodbye to the Flat Spotted Tires / Shuttering Theory

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[TinsleyC]

Here's his comment -

Post in thread 'Resolution to flutter at 25-30 mph' Resolution to flutter at 25-30 mph

 

[Bassman2]

I was under the assumption that replacing the propeller shaft (per TSB 20-DS-002H) resolved the issue.

https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2020/MC-10180995-0001.pdf

So I just picked up a 2016 Genesis, and it has the unfortunate Loud flutter from 25-35 and a vibration at around 60. By the way, I would definitely make sure you stay far away from Tulsa Hyundai and Genesis. That's for a whole new thread though. Anyway, I have read through all of the threads on this issue, and was wondering who all has had the above TSB done with a new Prop shaft or just the spacers put in, and did it correct the issue. Im not under warranty so just want to make sure it does seem to fix the fluttering issue before having it done. Thanks

 

[Bassman2]

Just had my driveshaft replaced at 73K last week and it hasn't fluttered since. 2015 5.0.

Is your driveshaft replacement still noise free?

 

[Genesis5]

Is your driveshaft replacement still noise free?

So far so good, but only 75K on it now.

 

[soverh69]

So I just picked up a 2016 Genesis, and it has the unfortunate Loud flutter from 25-35 and a vibration at around 60. By the way, I would definitely make sure you stay far away from Tulsa Hyundai and Genesis. That's for a whole new thread though. Anyway, I have read through all of the threads on this issue, and was wondering who all has had the above TSB done with a new Prop shaft or just the spacers put in, and did it correct the issue. Im not under warranty so just want to make sure it does seem to fix the fluttering issue before having it done. Thanks

I had a new prop shaft and have had it back a couple of times for the driveline adjustment with spacers, and all is within spec. It still flutters for the first 10 or 15 miles or minutes, but is better than it was. I can feel it, but not hear it. The dealer no longer wants to work with me on this issue since they have exhausted their options and now just say that they can not feel the vibration, even though I can. I am not mad at them since it is true that they have indeed done all that they can.

I have seen some YouTube videos of an engineer that has built his own carrier bearing and housing (bracket/mount) since he thinks that the Hyundai carrier bearing shock absorber (a rubber donut of sorts) is too weak and allows for too much vibration and not enough dampening. It is a prototype, and he is testing it now, but that does not help us. I have also considered taking my vehicle to a driveshaft shop (that make custom shafts for performance vehicles) to have them diagnose the issue, but frankly, I drive the car less in the winter anyhow, so I may just be living with it. It's really a shame, too. The car is otherwise just amazing. Mine is a 2016 3.8 Ultimate.

I guess the short version is, even though the dealer has replaced my prop shaft and triple checked the alignment, I still have some noticeable vibration. It's not perfect.

 

[soverh69]

Well I’ve read almost every reply under this thread and other similar threads, seems to be no real fix to this issue. I have the 2015 3.8 AWD tech package, and I have vibrations and flutter at the 25-30mph range. More noticeable when there is cold weather or if the car was in the garage overnight. The vibration has got worse as the days go by, the fluttering has always been there. I’ve put new tires on balanced and aligned so that’s how I know it’s the drive train. I’ve also heard that it could be related to the transfer case. I’m shocked no one has put a camera under the car yet and recorded the sound yet get some type of visual picture. Always I’ll still be reading these threads in hope of a true permanent fix

I have been reviewing these forums for years, since 2020, and have yet to hear anyone say that they have found a fix. Only that with persistence and new prop shafts, the problem is better, but never resolved. Like you, I notice that cold and being parked affects my vibration. Sometimes it is barely noticeable, while other times, it is terrible, to the point that I know that anyone driving that car at 35 mph would think that something is terribly wrong with it. So much for trying to sell it to a private party. So I have this immaculate 2016 3.8 AWD Ultimate that I can never get rid of unless I sell it for low trade because of this ridiculous vibration. What a letdown.

 

[Francism.ca]

I have been reviewing these forums for years, since 2020, and have yet to hear anyone say that they have found a fix. Only that with persistence and new prop shafts, the problem is better, but never resolved. Like you, I notice that cold and being parked affects my vibration. Sometimes it is barely noticeable, while other times, it is terrible, to the point that I know that anyone driving that car at 35 mph would think that something is terribly wrong with it. So much for trying to sell it to a private party. So I have this immaculate 2016 3.8 AWD Ultimate that I can never get rid of unless I sell it for low trade because of this ridiculous vibration. What a letdown.

The terrifying thing is that these vehicles are pretty well constructed otherwise and there's a good chance that we will be driving them for the rest of our lives hahaha.

 

[spencerghamm]

After reading through 4 years of stories and no solutions and buying a 2015 AWD Genesis I feel wonderful since I have this issue. I am going to tell my story as I get the feeling this is some sort of AA for genesis owners trying to get over the vibration. Before you read further I have not encountered the flutter issue - only a deeper sound due to the vibration at 30-35mph. I bought a 2015 ultimate every option with 89k on the clock. I bought it from a used car dealer. It had imacculate car fax and had only been to Hyundai dealership ever 5k. After driving I noticed that it had a vibration at 50-55 mph. Called the dealer back and they said to get the tires/rims looked at. I had the tires (which are the Michelin Primacy) reballanced and rims looked at. no issues, vibration persisted. I called the dealer back and they said to bring it in. I took it back to the dealer and gave them exact replication details and went on a ride with a tech. They felt (through the seat) and heard it (under the center console). It was a higher frequency vibration but a lower frequency sound if that makes sense. Sounded like you were just outside of a movie theater that had a scene playing with really loud base, or a muddled large subwoofer in a car right next to you. They spent a couple days diagnosing. Ended up stating that it was the "Carrier bearing" for the driveshaft. That fixed the issue, smooth as butter 50-55 mph. Mind you, I purchase this in Tuscon AZ, in the middle of summer. This is why I figure I did not feel the 30-35 mph vibration much due to the heat - it was 110-115 F and the car had always been driven around the times of me test driving it. The road are also akin to the oregan trail around the dealership from where I bought it from so I also blame it on that. I bring it home to NM where it is starting to get cold. I notice that the vibration at 30-35 mph that seems to get worse as the temperature starts to drop due to season. In the mornings it gets bad. On the way home from work when it is about 30 degrees warmer, vibration not bad at all or non existent. I tested driving the car and putting it in neutral, up shifting, downshifting, etc. and there is no difference in the vibration. I can lift the car up overnight, no difference in vibration in the morning. It sits at work for 9-10 hours during the day and the vibration is not as apparent or non-exsitent on my way home anyways so that already threw out the flatspot theory out for me. That brings you up to speed as to where I am at now. I almost just blast through 30-35 and almost think its worth getting a speeding ticket if needed just to drive it above 35 mph in a 30mph zone lol. Maybe I just may wait until the summer and try to sell it in phoenix

 

[spencerghamm]

I will also say that I experience the 15-17 mph slight vibration while accelerating that someone mentioned earlier in the thread. It’s quite small and not noticeable at times, but I have noticed that this does not go away once the car warms up like how the 30-35 mph vibration does. it also only happens while accelerating, coasting back down to a lower speed and going through the 15-17 mph range it does not vibrate. The 30-35 mph vibration happens no matter what in any gear, accelerating, or slowing down when the car is cold. I also will say that I do experience the flat spots on the tires and this is a completely different feeling. If the car sits for more than a day it’s more of an up and down slower vibration like the car has square wheels, as an exaggerated explanation. This only impacts the driving experience for a few miles and then goes away, but it also confirms for me that the issue that’s been beaten like a dead horse to a pulp that it’s two completely separate issues and tire flat spots have nothing to do with the 30-35 mph vibration issue.

 

[TinsleyC]

I was under the assumption that replacing the propeller shaft (per TSB 20-DS-002H) resolved the issue.

https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2020/MC-10180995-0001.pdf

Yes, agreed. I thought it was the hard rubber that was getting cold and not flexible, causing the vibration. Once it warmed up, the rubber reshaped itself.

Someone once stated at that when you turn the car off and it's warm, the weight of the drive shaft will pull the rubber down and it will harden into that shape.