Wind noise at speed -- whistling
 

Just FYI: I did post this in the Boxster/Cayman forum first (about a week ago), but got no response, so I thought I'd try my luck here. SmileWavy

Hey all -- I've been enjoying the new-to-me 2007 Cayman S immensely, but have but one complaint (other than the fact that the black paint looks dirty about 30 seconds after I wash the car): when I am driving at "highway speeds" with the windows down, there is a high-pitched whistling, presumably caused by wind, coming from the passenger side of the car.

The noise begins at exactly 56 mph and increases at speed (although it does go away once the speed is raised to a certain point well above the speed limit). Rolling up the passenger window 3/4 of the way diminishes the noise somewhat, and rolling it up all the way makes the noise go away completely. I can't pinpoint it exactly, but it seems to be coming from the "back" of the window area/near the seatbelt opening. Any thoughts? And, yes, I know I could just drive with the passenger window up, but I LIKE windows-open driving!

Turbulence...life is like that...turbulent.
Sorry...I always talk when I have nothing to say.

I haven't noticed that on mine, but i will test and see again. I assume it's from the mirror..

I don't have a Cayman,but the mirrors on my tuck whistle. I a wrap of electrical tape around the joint where the mirror hinges took care of it

My first MCS did that. Turned out to be incomplete sealing of the windshield. Maddening as hell. I stopped it temporarily by applying a piece of tape to the area in question - yep, you could hear where it was coming from. Later, after a rock chip led to a big crack, the windshield was replaced. Whistle disappeared.

Thanks for the tips, guys -- I'll look into those areas. Dumb question, but what is an MCS? Mercury Cougar Sport? Mercedes C-Class S? McLaren... S? Maserati Competizone Sport?

Does it happen with the windows ALL the way down?

If not, the whistling could simply be from air getting in between the window and seal as the window is pulled off of the seal slightly from the pressure/buffeting. If it is happening with the window nearly up (or all the way up), it could be a slightly misaligned window and/or worn window seals. The window should be putting positive pressure on the seals when rolled up. If not, the negative pressure and/or buffeting at speed will suck the window off the seal, causing the whistling. It is a common problem with "frameless" windows/doors.


Oh, and being a Cayman, the same goes for the rear hatch as well (check seals/alignment/bump stops/etc.).


SmileWavy

Has the windshield been replaced? On my 997 I discovered it had been, and not installed properly, so it caused some pretty obnioxious noise at freeway speeds. CPO warranty would not cover it since it was done by a glass shop (by the PO) not by a dealer. So that cost me a grand...

Or exhaust! I just got a Europipe Stage 2 (not installed yet) to mask any annoying rattles or whistles...

MCS: Mini Cooper S.

Tell her to close her legs ;)

The car is not meant to be driven with the windows down
This quote is from an engineer at a Porsche training school I attended
The subject of the class was convertible top, door, and window adjustment

Wind noise from a ragtop?

If that bugs you then resist any urge to buy something old and British.

Mine is not a Cayman but my Boxster had a rather strange whistling at speeds above 61 mph. it was due to a missing lower engine cover. It sounded like it was coming from the upper windshield and top up or down as well as windows made no difference. Once I replaced the missing cover it went away.

Maybe a previous owner installed one of these?

<iframe width="420" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/Z0RpnpQWEyc" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

If it was my car, that would be my wife complaining about the wind rearranging her perfect hair.

CJ congrats on the new ride.

Check these threads for info:
Wind whistle

Passenger window whistle

Passenger side mirror whistle

Whistle While You Drive

Oh my God. You'd think I'd know that, CONSIDERING THAT I OWNED ONE FOR FIVE YEARS.

I have a suspicion that the noise is coming from the mirror. I'll check in again after I figure it out.

whistling generally is caused by wind blowing over a hole or an air leak. I would look inside the door jamb or windshield/ frame area.