Official - noise/rattle complaint thread

[RIZNOSS]

Just a Feeler, Rough Highway Bump Noise Anyone?

6/19/2012 Post from Sonic:

ALL complaints about noises, rattles, sounds, or anything along those lines goes in this thread, regardless of what engine or body type you have, or where the noise might originate from part wise.

There have been way too many noise complaint threads lately. Come on people, it's a sub $20K car, not a Lexus, BMW, or Mercedes.

Now back to your regularly scheduled thread:


When I drive on the rough highways and have to travel into the semi driven right lanes, I hear some serious suspension bumps when I go over bumps. Can I get a witness?

Just want to make sure my little Sonic is falling apart already at 16,500 miles.

 

[laborsmith]

I am not sure what you are describing, for example, when in the semi-traveled right lane are you driving on those little ripples designed to alert drivers that they are about to drive off the road?

The Sonic is very tight and starts out with a more solid suspension than a typical American family car, so there may be more road feel being transmitted through the body than one might be used to feeling. The electronically powered steering pretty much subdues this, so hearing it in the body and not feeling it in the steering wheel may be causing the sensation.

Laborsmith

 

[houser]

Swaybar Links

Hi
My 2012 1.4l Turbo with 5K Mi is doing the same thing. Its the front sway bar links. THe dealer has a new set on order for me. They are made out of plastic. I dont expect the replacement set is going to last much longer than the originals. I am looking for some aftermarket replacements.
Mike
Palmer

 

[opsethb]

I don't have alot of noise, but the steering takes some getting used to. The wind and road lines on the highway seem to throw the sonic around and the electric steering seems very touchy. Of course I also drive a 2500 dodge mega cab quite a differance.

 

[houser]

Ya mine darts around too. and my other car is a full size diesel Dodge. My previous small car was an 08 cobalt. You could almost sleep drive that car it tracked so straight. The Sonic kind of drives the way I would have expected such a stubby car to drive.:blankface:
Mike
Palmer

 

[SonicBoy24]

everybody seems the opposite of me... my car drives straight as an arrow flies. I once drove for a half mile on the thruway without touching the wheel B)

 

[RIZNOSS]

The car drives just great, its a loud thud noise when going over the large pavement bumps in the slow lane that have been grooved and beaten by trucks. I will take your word for it Houser and get it checked out.

 

[warbirdfan]

I'm experiencing an annoying sound that I think is something in the brakes. If I drive over "high frequency bumps?" (I know, I know...), say cracks in the asphalt or on a gravel road, I get this serious rattle sound that I can stop with light pressure on the brakes. It's definitely in the front so I think I will pull the wheels this weekend and inspect the brakes for anything loose.
Also, I had to "shut her down" hard on the way to work and it pulled sharp to the right. It only pulls under extreme braking.
Anyone else?

 

[sonic007]

Same here. Mine blows around like crazy on the highway. Takes alot of getting used to.

 

[oldertech]

Mine drives perfect down the road. No problems with wind and all that. When I got mine, the steering wheel was slightly off axis to the right when I would drive down the road. No pull, just not centered. They checked the alignment and set wheel center. Only reason I mention that is that your cars that are not tracking well may need to be checked. I was told that alignment has to "settle in" on a new car and requires checking after so many miles.

It's funny that some people are not liking the steering. I think the steering is perfect. After driving other cars in this class it seemed so superior to me. I remember test driving the Yaris several years ago and fearing for my life, as the steering on that was awful at the time.

 

[houser]

No more rattle

Got the new swabar links installed today. all the front end noise is gone. Its was such an improvement even my wife noticed.
Mike
Palmer

 

[RIZNOSS]

YES!!! I am taking mine in as soon as they come in. Its too bad though that I had only 8k on it before I started hearing it...

 

[houser]

I found some 09 Cobalt sway bar links on E-bay That look like they may work as a replacement. Only $29 a set with free shipping. If they turn out to be the wrong length I can cut/weld/Tap/ whatever them rite. Heck only $29 to find out.
Mike
Palmer

 

[houser]

Replacement Sway bar links

The sway bar links I ordered from Ebay motors turned out to be a match. If the length is different its not measurable. They are all metal and ill Keep them handy for when my plastic ones wear out again. :banana:

Mike
Palmer, Ak.

 

[Zspeed36]

Rattle under accelleration

Just picked up my sonic 215miles ago, ive had a slight rattle under accel. Anyonr else have this problem or know what it is?

 

[1967stella]

I have the same thing. Its like a very fast tappin from the motor. I just hit 1100 miles and mine is still going. I think i remember reading somewhere that it was the variable valve timing? Can anybody confirm?

 

[Zspeed36]

It almost sounds like an exhause leak or a heat sheild if that helps

 

[wasteoffilm]

Mine does it sometimes, sounds like a heat shield. Usually under moderate load, accelerating in second and third, at 2000-3000 rpm.

Seemed to notice it more with 87 octane, so I switched back to 93, and it's mostly gone.

 

[Machine]

I have a similar problem, It only became apparent after installing my custom exhaust. I suspect that is is related to the flex pipe at the front, IMO, it is a bit long, and has a sort of chain-male cover on it that looks especially suseptible to rattle. Im close to 5k, where I will be changing over to Mobil1 and adding a resonator to my system to smooth out the tone a bit. Ill track it down then.

 

[Zspeed36]

Yeah thats exactly what i think it is as well, a simple clamp around it could solve the issue but im scared to even touch it because of warranty, off to see the dealer tomorrow