Bummed out...Tire NOISE !!

wwest · wwest's Garage

~24,000 miles on my '01 C4 and third set of tires trying to abate the cabin tire noise. New tires seem to be fine until about 8,000, 10,000 miles and then just get too noisy. Anyone try those spray cans of undercoat in the wheelwells and liners to quiet the tire noise..?

Or any thoughts otherwise..?

jwetering · jwetering's Garage

I believe the N-spec tires Porsche specifies have very stiff sidewalls and are, generally speaking, quite noisy. I am running Hankook Ventus on the street right now and the ride is kinda soft but relatively quite. They aren't N-spec of course. Don't get me wrong, I bought them because I daily drive and they were "good value" but I admit the old man ride is kind of a nice break.

I certainly wouldn't want to track these tires but for street and commuting work they are great. I have a set of Yokohama 048R on Autoclassic II rims for the track and AX...talk about noisy!!

450knotOffice · 450knotOffice's Garage

It's normal. I've driven my 996 as a daily driver for 73,000 miles, and I've had to replace the rear tires about every 12,000-15,000 miles. EVERY set has developed a loud roar over time that I eventually just couldn't stand any more. It seems to come with the territory. Btw, my alignment is spot on spec.

BYprodriver · BYprodriver's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by 450knotOffice

It's normal. I've driven my 996 as a daily driver for 73,000 miles, and I've had to replace the rear tires about every 12,000-15,000 miles. EVERY set has developed a loud roar over time that I eventually just couldn't stand any more. It seems to come with the territory. Btw, my alignment is spot on spec.

It is normal for improperly maintained &/or improperly designed tires.

Properly designed & maintained tires get quieter as the tread wears. OR the opposite is inevitable as well.

450knotOffice · 450knotOffice's Garage

Considering the weight of the engine over the rear tires of all 911's, along with the very slight toe-in and positive rear camber of the rear wheels/tires when the alignment is set to spec, ALL rear tires on 911's will wear somewhat unevenly as they are used. Wear will be more pronounced on the inboard portion of the tires and some cupping will develop due to the slight toe-in of the rear tires. This is what will eventually cause tires on 911's to begin to rumble/howl/growl. I've seen it on N spec and non-N spec tires. Due to the aforementioned alignment settings of 911's (including 911, 964, 993, 996, 997 models), the rear tires of these cars will never get quieter as they wear. Fwiw, the alignment settings on my 996 are spot on set to Porsche specifications.

Deinonychus · 01-23-2011, 10:01 AM

The years I spent in competition and daily-driver '56 Speedster plus power tools gave me tinnitus and an aversion to loud noise. So, what am I addicted to (like so many)? Porsche - tomorrow I hope to have an'03 996. I'm putting aside money to buy dynamat extreme or similar product ('have to check my research). This summer I will carefully strip enough of the interior of the car to add sound deadener and absorbent material. You can do this and, trust me it WILL make a difference. Check the internet for automotive sound deadening, etc. There is a lot out there.
Good Luck,
JP

BYprodriver · BYprodriver's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by 450knotOffice

Considering the weight of the engine over the rear tires of all 911's, along with the very slight toe-in and positive rear camber of the rear wheels/tires when the alignment is set to spec, ALL rear tires on 911's will wear somewhat unevenly as they are used. Wear will be more pronounced on the inboard portion of the tires and some cupping will develop due to the slight toe-in of the rear tires. This is what will eventually cause tires on 911's to begin to rumble/howl/growl. I've seen it on N spec and non-N spec tires. Due to the aforementioned alignment settings of 911's (including 911, 964, 993, 996, 997 models), the rear tires of these cars will never get quieter as they wear. Fwiw, the alignment settings on my 996 are spot on set to Porsche specifications.

FWIW it is not only possible but entirely prudent to align a 911 so that the tires will wear evenly & therefore as the tread depth is reduced so is the source of tire generated noise. If your alignment technician can't do this find one that will.