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texkid
02-20-2009, 09:47 PM
Hello all, I just re-installed my OEM springs because I don't think I am ready for a dropped car just yet.

So anyway, after driving around for a bit, I am noticing a "rotor" sound. Its almost like the sound that you have when you get a nail in the tire. But, I checked and rechecked each tire for large pebbles and nails but they're all clean. The sound quality does not vary in response to road condition and it does follow the velocity of the car (ie, decreases as the car slows down and speeds up when the car accelerates). Here's the weird part, I hear it when the windows are closed (and stereo is off), but if I open up the window to pinpoint the location, I don't hear it outside the car.

Other than the fact that I went from DF120 back to original springs, I do have the tire pressures at 44psi (if it has any factor). ONE more thing that I forgot to mention, I am NOT running on the cut bumpstops, I ordered a fresh set from TRDSparks (awesome guy!).

Any suggestions will be appreciated.

supmet
02-20-2009, 09:55 PM
I wonder if it could have anything to do with cutting the bump stops to install the DF210s???? just a guess?

I don't think anyone has ever gone back to stock springs after aftermarket

texkid
02-20-2009, 09:58 PM
I wonder if it could have anything to do with cutting the bump stops to install the DF210s???? just a guess?

I don't think anyone has ever gone back to stock springs after aftermarket

I forgot to mention, which I'll correct, I have replaced the cut bumpstops with an original set that i bought from TRD Sparks

Gideon
02-20-2009, 10:02 PM
Check the splash guard right behind the rotor. (I think that's what it is)

Both times I've lowered my car it's bent against the rotor to make that noise. Just jack up the car and see where it's rubbing and bend it back.

texkid
02-20-2009, 10:08 PM
Check the splash guard right behind the rotor. (I think that's what it is)

Both times I've lowered my car it's bent against the rotor to make that noise. Just jack up the car and see where it's rubbing and bend it back.

Those are clean too. I know this because when I first dropped the car, I slammed my wrist on the sharp end of the splash guard shredding 3 inches of skin that apparently I didn't need. :biggrin:

Two things came out of that, (1) I now only use craftsman or MAC tools and (2) I double check ANYTHING that might get in the way.

texkid
02-20-2009, 10:48 PM
OKAY!! Now is a good time to start panicking....I'll just let the picture tell it all.

DRIVER SIDE
http://texanurse.com/images/Yaris/DriverSide.JPG


PASSENGER SIDE
http://texanurse.com/images/Yaris/PassengerSide.JPG


Did I compress the spring too much?

FunctionSpec
02-20-2009, 11:25 PM
^^^ Everyone seems to have that gap if they alter the front suspension, whether it's lowering or raising it back up.

How long did you have the DF springs on for? Is the "rotor" noise more like a low growl? Not continuous noise, but patches of a low growl sound?

texkid
02-20-2009, 11:38 PM
^^^ Everyone seems to have that gap if they alter the front suspension, whether it's lowering or raising it back up.

Oh thank goodness! I was about to freakout. So...is it still safe/drivable or does it need correction?



How long did you have the DF springs on for? Is the "rotor" noise more like a low growl? Not continuous noise, but patches of a low growl sound?

Not really a growl? Well...I define "growl" as a grinding noise. Its more of low-pitched tapping sound. The best way I can describe is the sound that a Huey helicopter makes, kinda like in one of those Vietnam war movies.

Shroomster
02-21-2009, 12:00 AM
only while going straight?
only while turning?
all speeds?
stopped; any noise?

anything else 'adjusted'

texkid
02-21-2009, 12:08 AM
only while going straight?
only while turning?
all speeds?
stopped; any noise?

anything else 'adjusted'

--So far when going straight. I haven't paid close attention when taking turns, but I am actually going to iHOP to go study. So I'll check.

--Occurs at all speeds.

--Does NOT occur when the vehicle is stopped/idling

--Nothing else adjusted. OEM wheels with hubcaps. I did hand turn the nuts since I don't have an air compressor with the fancy driver hoo-hah.

Shroomster
02-21-2009, 01:25 AM
you tightened the lugnuts good and tight right? (not the culprit, but just thinking of safety :thumbup:)

if you can find an open area to do some full circles in both directions and around 10-15 miles per hour....

if it gets louder going one way (applying more of the load/weight) then it might be a wheel bearing....might be....

no debris on the drive shafts, wheels, rotors moving parts that you can see?

texkid
02-21-2009, 01:34 AM
you tightened the lugnuts good and tight right? (not the culprit, but just thinking of safety :thumbup:)

if you can find an open area to do some full circles in both directions and around 10-15 miles per hour....

if it gets louder going one way (applying more of the load/weight) then it might be a wheel bearing....might be....

no debris on the drive shafts, wheels, rotors moving parts that you can see?

As far as I can see, I don't see any. I am going to have to wait 'til tomorrow to get a better look. Besides, I'd hate for an officer to be pondering why a blue hatchback is doing circles at a wal-mart parking lot at 12:30 on a Friday night!! :biggrin: :tongue:

But as an update, I decided to go to Jack N the Box. I heard a POP on the right side as I was backing down the driveway. After which, that tapping sound was a bit less noticeable.

texkid
02-21-2009, 02:07 AM
I am so F**KING retarded. Shroomster, you saved my Yaris from doing a face plant. I checked the lugnuts to be on the safe side. Apparently I never did tighten the front tires with the tire iron. All of the nuts were so loose I could turn them with my thumb and finger. I still haven't driven it yet, but hopefully that was the cause of the mysterious sound.

YarisSedan
02-21-2009, 02:11 AM
LOL atleast you didnt have to find out the cause of your sound the hard way.

texkid
02-21-2009, 02:17 AM
LOL atleast you didnt have to find out the cause of your sound the hard way.

I can't stop laughing now. :biggrin:

I don't know why, but for some reason after Shroomster mentioned it, something kept telling that I HAVE to double-check. :eek:

SailDesign
02-21-2009, 09:21 AM
I am so F**KING retarded. Shroomster, you saved my Yaris from doing a face plant. I checked the lugnuts to be on the safe side. Apparently I never did tighten the front tires with the tire iron. All of the nuts were so loose I could turn them with my thumb and finger. I still haven't driven it yet, but hopefully that was the cause of the mysterious sound.

Welcome to the club - of us lucky ones who found it BEFORE the face-plant. :biggrin:
Not on the Yaris, many many years ago....

Shroomster
02-21-2009, 11:53 AM
I am so F**KING retarded. Shroomster, you saved my Yaris from doing a face plant. I checked the lugnuts to be on the safe side. Apparently I never did tighten the front tires with the tire iron. All of the nuts were so loose I could turn them with my thumb and finger. I still haven't driven it yet, but hopefully that was the cause of the mysterious sound.

lol....safety first...I'm glad you're ok:biggrin: and there's one less yaris out of commission

texkid
02-21-2009, 12:29 PM
I no longer hear the sound. I am now at the dealership getting an alignment. There is a 3 hour wait. But, since the car is under 1 year/20,000 mile, the alignment is covered under warranty.

tk-421
02-21-2009, 01:34 PM
Hello all, I just re-installed my OEM springs because I don't think I am ready for a dropped car just yet.

So anyway, after driving around for a bit, I am noticing a "rotor" sound. Its almost like the sound that you have when you get a nail in the tire. But, I checked and rechecked each tire for large pebbles and nails but they're all clean. The sound quality does not vary in response to road condition and it does follow the velocity of the car (ie, decreases as the car slows down and speeds up when the car accelerates). Here's the weird part, I hear it when the windows are closed (and stereo is off), but if I open up the window to pinpoint the location, I don't hear it outside the car.

Other than the fact that I went from DF120 back to original springs, I do have the tire pressures at 44psi (if it has any factor). ONE more thing that I forgot to mention, I am NOT running on the cut bumpstops, I ordered a fresh set from TRDSparks (awesome guy!).

Any suggestions will be appreciated.

44psi sounds a bit on the high side. I've heard that overly inflated tires are really noisy... maybe that's the sound you're referring to?

AlexNet0
02-21-2009, 02:24 PM
44psi is the stock tire recommended pressure


Or is it 40?... *runs out to car to check..*

44 max

marcus
02-21-2009, 03:11 PM
hahaha i was gonna say lug nuts loose coz i had that stupid issue on my celica... its great someone suggested it already..

JBIZZ
02-21-2009, 05:02 PM
I once bought an old P.OS. Firebird from a friend for $300. I was driving down the road in it one day and heard a terrible scrapping sound coming from the rear end. Next thing I know, I see a wheel fly past me so I stopped. The tire hit a median and must have jumped up like 100 feet in the air, and continued to bounce down the road into oncoming traffic. Thankfully no one got hurt.

texkid
02-22-2009, 03:52 AM
I once bought an old P.OS. Firebird from a friend for $300. I was driving down the road in it one day and heard a terrible scrapping sound coming from the rear end. Next thing I know, I see a wheel fly past me so I stopped. The tire hit a median and must have jumped up like 100 feet in the air, and continued to bounce down the road into oncoming traffic. Thankfully no one got hurt.

Thats a good one! I once saw an Oldsmobile loose a front passenger tire at an intersection. The irony is that I had just left my mechanic's shop and thinking that maybe he tightened the nuts too much. Never complained since then. :rolleyes: