Toyota RAV4 Wind Noise

The beat of this effect is less than 10 cycles per second...it is generally assumed that people cannot "hear" sounds below 20 cps and based on my audio experience even this is optimistic. But you can definitely feel it in your head and ribcage. There is a slight bit of noise associated with each beat, I am unsure if these would be considered harmonics, or more likely just produced by turbulence around the window edge (a more perfect whistle would have sharper edges at the opening).

Replies to this message:

tidester (Jul 08, 2008 11:14 am)
- wwest (Jul 09, 2008 8:31 am)
  - tidester (Jul 09, 2008 11:03 am)

#7 of 12 Re: WIND NOISE when rear windows are rolled down [sdc2] by tidester

Jul 08, 2008 (11:14 am)

Replying to: sdc2 (Jul 08, 2008 6:52 am)

I am unsure if these would be considered harmonics

That would be a good bet. It's quite easy to get a flute to produce harmonics when you up the amplitude a bit. And if the amplitude of the oscillation in the RAV4 is great enough to feel then you're probably above the threshold to produce harmonics.

tidester, host
SUVs and Smart Shopper

Replies to this message:

wwest (Jul 09, 2008 8:31 am)
- tidester (Jul 09, 2008 11:03 am)

#8 of 12 Re: WIND NOISE when rear windows are rolled down [tidester] by wwest

Jul 09, 2008 (8:31 am)

Replying to: tidester (Jul 08, 2008 11:14 am)

But then there is the "vibrations" effect the air pressure waves cause on the interior materials and surfaces.

That might be, predominantly, what we "hear".

Replies to this message:

tidester (Jul 09, 2008 11:03 am)

#9 of 12 Re: WIND NOISE when rear windows are rolled down [wwest] by tidester

Jul 09, 2008 (11:03 am)

Replying to: wwest (Jul 09, 2008 8:31 am)

Possibly but I don't think we've actually established whether the "sound" is infrasonic and more input from the OP would be helpful. It could just be audible low frequency sound. In any case, it's probably just the ubiquitous "helicopter" effect with sound being produces with pressure changes occurring at the window opening.

tidester, host
SUVs and Smart Shopper

#10 of 12 Re: WIND NOISE when rear windows are rolled down [2008car] by dantieman

Sep 04, 2012 (7:55 am)

Replying to: 2008car (Jul 03, 2008 6:21 pm)

I just bought a rav 4 2012 and am very unhappy with the same noise. Dealer says its normal, but to me it is unacceptable. Taking the car back.

Replies to this message:

fredy3 (Oct 08, 2012 5:04 am)

#11 of 12 Re: WIND NOISE when rear windows are rolled down [dantieman] by fredy3

Oct 08, 2012 (5:04 am)

Replying to: dantieman (Sep 04, 2012 7:55 am)

Good Day
This wind sound noise is normal to most off all automobiles car . This is an aerodynamic issue that can not been fix by the car manufacturers . The only thing you can do is open the front windows left and right just a little while the back windows are fully opened , that will eliminate that helicopter low sound.

I had other car type with the same issue.

Maybe the defletors window installed will eliminated that noise but personaly I dont like these deflectors.

I just Buy 2 weeks ago my second new Rav4 2012 Sport V6 Letther option etc .. FANTASTIC CAR !!

#12 of 12 Re: WIND NOISE when rear windows are rolled down [2008car] by lizzie07

Oct 17, 2012 (7:56 am)

Replying to: 2008car (Jul 03, 2008 6:21 pm)

Yes, this is normal. I also have a 2008 Rav 4. If you roll down the front window just a little, this will alleviate what you are hearing. I had this happen with my previous car as well.

« Previous
1
2
Next »
Last

To POST a message, please Sign In.

Forum Tools

Search Forums

Enter Keyword(s):

Browse by Category

Browse by Vehicle

Browse by Board

Browse by Topic

View All Topics

Learn More, Do More

Edmunds Community

Explore Edmunds