"Rotor" sound?

[texkid]

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]

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]

Originally Posted by supmet

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]

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]

Originally Posted by Gideon

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.

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]

OKAY!! Now is a good time to start panicking....I'll just let the picture tell it all.

DRIVER SIDE



PASSENGER SIDE



Did I compress the spring too much?

[FunctionSpec]

^^^ 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]

Originally Posted by FunctionSpec

^^^ 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?

Originally Posted by FunctionSpec

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]

only while going straight?
only while turning?
all speeds?
stopped; any noise?

anything else 'adjusted'

[texkid]

Originally Posted by Shroomster

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]

you tightened the lugnuts good and tight right? (not the culprit, but just thinking of safety )

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]

Originally Posted by Shroomster

you tightened the lugnuts good and tight right? (not the culprit, but just thinking of safety )

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!!

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]

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]

LOL atleast you didnt have to find out the cause of your sound the hard way.

[texkid]

Originally Posted by YarisSedan

LOL atleast you didnt have to find out the cause of your sound the hard way.

I can't stop laughing now.

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

[SailDesign]

Originally Posted by texkid

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.
Not on the Yaris, many many years ago....

[Shroomster]

Originally Posted by texkid

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 and there's one less yaris out of commission

[texkid]

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.