Cabin noise

Bonzo

Yep. Welcome to the club. The only plus side to this is since the OEM tires aren't exactly all season, the louder the water noise, the more you need to be cautious driving.

The main noise comes from the front area of the wheel well. I proved this the other week when washing it. I sprayed water with a hose all around the car; underneath, on the doors, on the rear fender, under the back, etc etc, then in the wheel wells themselves. When that spray of water hit the upper front section of the wheel well, it was like a huge twanging noise in comparison to all the other areas. There were other places that made noise where you could tell it was, well, thin sounding, or tin like. But the upper front of the wheel well is where it really sings loudly. And all this AFTER I've installed the Fatmat material, 2 layers to that area inside.

Like I've said before here, I think the next logical step would be to paint rubberized sound deadener paint (like the stuff Fatmat sells) to the wheel wells (on the outside of the car). This way when rocks and water hit, it's hitting a somewhat "bouncy" surface, not just straight up metal sheeting. You can put it on with a household paint roller, so a few coats should get a reasonable thickness to have some affect.

Right now I'm much better than before, so I'm not sure I'll ever do the paint. The pebble and water noises are still there, but they are lower in tone and not nearly as harsh or noticeable. Only time will tell, if i feel the need in the future.

__________________
Finally Able To Order 2012 Model 8/24/2011
Delivered Tuesday November 15, 9:57 am!!!
2012, Auto, White, Sport, Kick Plates

RiCharlie

I didnt know this...I am curious as to why this is?

Bonzo

Normally in say, my Murano, I can't really hear the water noise. It's up to my sight to see how much water is actually on the road, and to drive accordingly depending on my speed and the conditions. Being a Murano with all season triple tread Goodyears, I don't really drive it sportingly, so the only thing I usually need to worry about is highway hydroplaning. The triple treads get good traction in just about every condition, so no worries.

In the Z, you sort of get used to driving it harder, especially in turns etc. The Z also comes with summer only tires, that from what I've read aren't exactly great for anything other than dry pavement. I'm sure it's very easy to get this car loose on wet roads (something I haven't tried yet myself). So the good news for the noise is, you can actually HEAR how much water you are driving in. You don't simply have to rely on sight; your ears can tell you if it's just a light spray, or if there is a lot of water on the road surface. The more water noise there is, the more conscious I am about not gunning the gas or taking corners fast. I guess everyone else doesn't have to be this way, but I think it's sort of a built in safety thing for your car, and maybe you.

Does this make sense?

__________________
Finally Able To Order 2012 Model 8/24/2011
Delivered Tuesday November 15, 9:57 am!!!
2012, Auto, White, Sport, Kick Plates

RiCharlie

Yup!