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DIY Noise isolating tool for around $30.00

Discussion in '1st Gen. Tacomas (1995-2004)' started by mechanicjon, Dec 15, 2016.

  1. Dec 15, 2016 at 8:57 AM
    #1
    mechanicjon

    mechanicjon [OP] They call me "Jonny Stubs"

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    Okay guys this tool is the best way to isolate noises. https://www.amazon.com/Steelman-066...srs=3043628011&ie=UTF8&qid=1481818368&sr=8-64
    I have one but you can put a few items from radioshack and an old pc mic together for around $30 bucks, with one pickup lead. You clamp it on to spots you think the noise is coming from. Drive down the road and listen. If you have more leads its faster and easier to find noise because you can switch between pickups. The Steelman I have has 6 pickups and a selector switch.

    DIY chassis listening device:

    1. One https://www.amazon.com/DricRoda-Professional-Karaoke-Portable-Amplifier/dp/B06XRXZ8YJ/ref=sr_1_13?ie=UTF8&qid=1511542754&sr=8-13&keywords=MINI+microphone+AMPLIFIER $23
    You'll need a cigarette lighter adapter to power it. It's 12vdc. Just make sure the plug is pinned correctly for box.
    2. Battery clip as many mics you decide to make: https://www.amazon.com/SODIAL-Coppe...d=1511544498&sr=1-33&keywords=alligator+clips $3.00
    3. Source for pc mic. peel the foam wind screen off and don't use small clip it comes with.. Epoxy it to the larger battery clip. https://www.amazon.com/Neewer-3-5mm...e=UTF8&qid=1511544654&sr=1-64&keywords=pc+mic

    Mic extension https://www.amazon.com/iMBAPrice-Pr...d=1511544907&sr=1-6&keywords=3.5+mm+extension
    4. Epoxy the microphone on the inside of the battery clip. Cover the hole up were sound enters mic but don't fill it. You want to block outside noises and just hear noise transmitted thru clip.
    6. A set of ear buds.

    Clamp you mic to a suspect area. Shock mount, shackle, etc. Secure wire with zip tie or wrap it around something to secure it if clip falls off. Run the wire into the drivers compartment plug it all together and turn it on.
    Go for a test drive.
     
    Last edited: Nov 24, 2017
    ThunderOne likes this.
  2. Dec 15, 2016 at 9:50 AM
    #2
    jbrandt

    jbrandt Made you look

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    That's a pretty great idea, I've got a few rattles and squeaks I hope go away once I do my timing belt and water pump. If that doesn't do it, I might employ this idea!

    ...But the last pic on the add for the steelman: I just hope he cleans up those wires before is starts the engine! :)

    Radio shacks are getting harder and harder to find these days, at least 'round these parts... Well, I mean, if you want a cell phone or a stupid drone they're pretty good, but if you want a switch relay or some specialty electronic tool, they're garbage. I usually end up online.
     
  3. Dec 15, 2016 at 10:21 AM
    #3
    keakar

    keakar Well-Known Member

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    all you really need is the empty tube from a roll of paper towels

    put it to your ear and it blocks out other noises its not pointed at and you just follow the noise until you locate it
     
  4. Dec 15, 2016 at 11:30 AM
    #4
    jbrandt

    jbrandt Made you look

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    I think the idea is that this method allows you to DRIVE it while listening for noises. Some noises only manifest while driving.
     
  5. Dec 15, 2016 at 11:38 AM
    #5
    ThunderOne

    ThunderOne Well-Known Member

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    Best new member award goes to this guy
     
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    jjsul likes this.
  6. Dec 15, 2016 at 11:43 AM
    #6
    mechanicjon

    mechanicjon [OP] They call me "Jonny Stubs"

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    The idea is to be able to drive it at any speed necessary to duplicaste noise. The make a better tool then a paper towel role. Stethescope with aluminum probe on the end. Found them at Harbor Freight for 2 bucks.
     
  7. Dec 15, 2016 at 12:02 PM
    #7
    mechanicjon

    mechanicjon [OP] They call me "Jonny Stubs"

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  8. Dec 15, 2016 at 4:10 PM
    #8
    cruiserguy

    cruiserguy Well-Known Member

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    Lmao! Hahahaha... In no way am I laughing at someone, I'm just laughing at the second sentence. Hahahahaha
     
  9. Nov 24, 2017 at 10:36 AM
    #9
    mechanicjon

    mechanicjon [OP] They call me "Jonny Stubs"

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    04 Taco SC 4dr SR5 TRD Prerunner
    Supercharged, AEM FIC/6, Meth Inj, ION Alloy's, Radio & Phone steering Wheel controls,Fabtech AAL, Billie's wrapped with 880's , Tundra big brake conversion, bully bars and Pioneer DDin Stereo/dvd with exterrnal usb ports. 290K and going strong.

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