noise at all speeds

[excel777]

I have a 2009 Genesis with 142,000 miles on it and for the last 60,000 miles I hear a wa-wa-wa-wa sound which seems to be coming from the front area. There isn't anything mechanical wrong that I know of. The car runs smooth at all speeds, but the wa-wa-wa-wa sound stays the same pitch. It isn't as noticeable at a higher speed, due to wind and engine noise. At 15 to 30 mph it is very noticeable. I've tried to listen with the drivers door open and leaning out, but it seems louder in the car then outside. I keep thinking that it's the tires making noise, but having the tires re-balanced didn't help. Another person posted about a year ago that he had a simalier sound with his 2009. The wheel bearings seem tight and smooth. Any ideas would be appreciated.

 

[EdP]

I have a 2009 Genesis with 142,000 miles on it and for the last 60,000 miles I hear a wa-wa-wa-wa sound which seems to be coming from the front area. There isn't anything mechanical wrong that I know of. The car runs smooth at all speeds, but the wa-wa-wa-wa sound stays the same pitch. It isn't as noticeable at a higher speed, due to wind and engine noise. At 15 to 30 mph it is very noticeable.

Couple of things to try. At a changing speed is the noise constant or change with speed?

On a road where you can hear it, maintain the same speed but downshift to speed up the engine. If the noise changes, it may be an engine component like a water pump bearing or alternator. If not, it may be running gear like tires. Balancing would make little difference if the tread wear is causing it. I've had similar noise from tires that were cupping.

Another method is to tie you wife to the hood and see if she can hear where the noise is coming from.

 

[Mark_888]

Does the noise happen when the car is in park or neutral, and the engine is revved to between 0-2500 RPM? You need to get someone to help you test this out with you listening with the hood open, and the other person on the gas pedal.

If the noise is coming from the engine department when in park or neutral and the engine revved, get a vacuum cleaner extension tube and hold it to your ear as you move it around to pinpoint the area where the noise is coming from. A cardboard tube from an empty roll of paper towels will also work.

 

[tprjimmi]

Are these "last 60,00 miles" tires the same tire in all those miles or have you replaced tires in that time? My other car drives me crazy with a similar noise but it's a convertible so I don't always hear it. At that mileage tires tend to get a bit noisy. Hope this helps.

 

[Gunkk]

There are only a few things on the engine that will make the same pitch noise regardless of engine speed and vehicle mph. The first one I would check is the Power steering pump, particularly the fluid level. MANY cars will make a steady WA-WA-WA noise when low on PS fluid due to pulsing cavitation in the PS pump (can get louder when turning the wheel, but not always). If so, then the solution is simple: add PS fluid.

However, all '09 cars had an electric PS pump, as I recall, so there may not be any serviceable fluid to add (lubrication in the PS system might all be internal? not sure). Still, it could be an issue with the electric PS booster or fuel system related.

 

[QuantumRift]

I would start with simple stuff - what kind of tires and what condition are they in? Rotate the tires and see if the sound changes (goes away, moves to rear or diminishes). Have you had your brakes and rotors inspected? Those would always be the FIRST and easiest things to check. I have, or ad the same issue, and I was on the Michelin X tires, and they were pretty worn. I bought Continentals and the noise diminished a LOT.

 

[excel777]

I wish to thank all the people who responded to my wa wa wa noise, coming from I didn't know where. It now has been resolved. I replaced the Toyo tires with Lexani tires 235X50R18. I never heard of them. With Google I found their website and they claim to be the most modern tire company in America, and they're never touched by human hands until they go out the door. Probably a good thing. To the point, my noisily Genny became a new car again. Quiet, solid handling and hugs curves like I stole it. I cannot believe tires make such a difference. My wife works at Walmart and with her 10% discount $243 with taxes paid and no mounting costs included. This is a third of what others were quoting me. Now, if I can just locate that hidden crankshaft position sensor, so that I can replace it; I'd be a happy man.

 

[EdP]

I wish to thank all the people who responded to my wa wa wa noise, coming from I didn't know where. It now has been resolved. I replaced the Toyo tires with Lexani tires 235X50R18. I never heard of them.

Never heard of them either. Their website leaves a bit to be desired. Silly me looked at passenger car tires but they don't make them in sizes we need. Performance tires come in typical Genesis sizes. Did you get the LX-Seven?

 

[excel777]

Item Qty 4 Total 235/50ZR18 Lexani LXUHP-207 101W XL
$62.01 $55.81 each total $223.24 This was the tire I purchased. I believed I stated a price before at @ $243. I errored. Above is the exact price I paid for the tires, but another $106.00 for full lifetime warranty, balance, rotation, tire disposal, etc. I feel like I'm driving a new car and no I don't have stock in the company. We have 3 Kia Souls and a Azera in our family that will get these tires when they'll ready, if they have their size. Good reviews when you google them. The stock girl brought them up to the tire & lube area from the dock and said (here's Fred's cheap a$$ tires). My wife who's a manager there, just happened to be at the T & L area, and told the girl that they were her husbands tires. Talk about a red face.