Whistling Sound at High Speeds?

I'm not sure if this is something I've had since I got it (6 months ago) or if this only started happening after I installed my cat shield (Taco Tunes version).... but any time I'm driving north of 90 mphs (in MX or on a race circuit) I hear a very distinct whistling/howling like nose coming from what seems the front wheel wells... It depends on which side the wind is blowing to determine which side the noise is more apparent. Anyone else have anything like that happen?

 

You're probably going to have noise at that speed. You're driving a non-aerodynamic cinder block.

 

I didn't have any noise at those speeds in my 2007 Tundra.... only on this newer 2.5 gen (2017) Truck.

 

Oh, and I think I've heard it at lower speeds (50 mph) too when the crosswind was blowing really hard.

 

Is the sound only noticeable with the front windows down? Mine does that, and I've narrowed it down to mirror seams. I think it's turbulence related. If you change the air flow by moving your fingers around the seams, it goes away.

 

Definitely not the windows - I've heard it with the windows down or up...

 

Sounds like air interacting with the slots in the plate (most likely) or the plate itself is vibrating (less likely if whistling).

You may be able to fix the issue with vortex generators or bending the slots leading and lagging edges up if possible.

If it is vibration of the plate some rubberized sound dampening mat might help but it will act as an insulator and a dust magnet so there is a tradeoff. You don't need to cover the whole plate probably just the middle to test first.

I would reach out to TT first. If it is a common complaint they may have a fix for you.

 

It's not the plate vibrating - I double checked that right after I heard it more than 1 time... I will reach out to ********* though - didn't think of that. Thanks!

 

Get some high temp tape and block off some of the openings. Those long slot cut outs can make whistling sound. If the tape removed the whstling, then replaced tape with sheet metal. Trial and error thing.

 

My windshield needed to be replaced to fix my whistling issue. I ended up just going around taping stuff off on my truck with 2" wide painters tape and driving a blue-striped clownmobile up and down the highway until I figured it out.

(Turns out the original buyer had a windshield replacement by insurance and whoever did it, didn't use OEM glass, which didn't fit right and wasn't heated. $300 later and my windshield is heated again and no longer whistles.)

 

Hmmm... Now I did have the windshield replaced with a OEM like windshield within the first month of purchase - I had a huge crack on the passenger front side. Mine was similar cost (So I doubt yours was OEM either, cause OEM is closer to like $800+). Mine is heated but I haven't tried to use painters tape to check their install. Might have to try that - Thanks!

 

Since it is not the plate vibrating and if you've eliminated the windshield as the culprit you can do what @art64 suggested and cover up the holes

I would probably cover up the twelve up top to see if it makes any impact and if not switch to the bottom twelve. If the noise quiets down you can uncover one "Y" at a time to until the noise comes back. That will let you max airflow min sound.

Hard to say what a fix could be by looking at them but it could be the thin pieces at the base of the "Y"s that are making a tone.

 

I’ve experienced this with different vehicles but not the tundra yet. Generally heavy cross winds at speeds over 70mph. Only thing I’ve come up with is turbulence across a seam or crease or something.

 

When you figure it out, let us know. Curious what it ends up being.

 

Tape up that shield as others mentioned. It is the easiest and quickest way to start your troubleshooting. I say it is the most likely cause too, from what you have described.

 

Yeah, I think I might have to try this method.... might take some time though and hopefully the tape sticks under that much heat.

Wonder how much heat those Y air slots actually help dissipate?

 

Probably some trial and error to figure it out.
You may not have to cover the whole slot.
The other option is to just cover or Dremel out the thin piece of the "Y" if you can determine the whistling is from those parts.

 

Well, no shit there's a buncha whistlin' goin' on.

 

Glad I wasn’t alone on that thought.

 

Lol, and she's not just their pretty face, she actually works on all their trucks...

 

I wouldn't want my vehicle worked on there.
There ain't a damn guy in there that's watchin what the hell he's doing.

 

Yeah, that's a tough one. I've never driven that fast in this truck. I wonder what the top speed it?

 

I've seen 120... truck is stable, just noisy.

 

True story... lol