1. Welcome to Tacoma World!

    You are currently viewing as a guest! To get full-access, you need to register for a FREE account.

    As a registered member, you’ll be able to:
    • Participate in all Tacoma discussion topics
    • Communicate privately with other Tacoma owners from around the world
    • Post your own photos in our Members Gallery
    • Access all special features of the site

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"

    Joined:
    Dec 2, 2016
    Member:
    #203828
    Messages:
    10,111
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jon
    Scottsdale Arizona
    Vehicle:
    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.
    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

    Joined:
    Feb 12, 2011
    Member:
    #51038
    Messages:
    17,612
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Justin
    El Dorado, CA (NOT El Dorado Hills)
    Vehicle:
    '04 TRD Tacoma 4x4 DC
    Kings, J59's Total Chaos UCAs Custom skids Sticker mod
    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

    Joined:
    Oct 2, 2014
    Member:
    #139537
    Messages:
    5,259
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    karl
    louisiana
    Vehicle:
    2006 4runner sport 4.7L V8 (white)
    used to have - 99 2.4L I4 5 lug & 04 prerunner v6
    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

    Joined:
    Feb 12, 2011
    Member:
    #51038
    Messages:
    17,612
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Justin
    El Dorado, CA (NOT El Dorado Hills)
    Vehicle:
    '04 TRD Tacoma 4x4 DC
    Kings, J59's Total Chaos UCAs Custom skids Sticker mod
    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

    Joined:
    May 20, 2009
    Member:
    #17473
    Messages:
    10,035
    First Name:
    Mitchell
    Nashville
    Vehicle:
    1ST GEN OR GTFO
    Toyota NERD
    Best new member award goes to this guy
     
    This site contains affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
    #5
    jjsul likes this.
  6. Dec 15, 2016 at 11:43 AM
    #6
    mechanicjon

    mechanicjon [OP] They call me "Jonny Stubs"

    Joined:
    Dec 2, 2016
    Member:
    #203828
    Messages:
    10,111
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jon
    Scottsdale Arizona
    Vehicle:
    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.
    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"

    Joined:
    Dec 2, 2016
    Member:
    #203828
    Messages:
    10,111
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jon
    Scottsdale Arizona
    Vehicle:
    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.
  8. Dec 15, 2016 at 4:10 PM
    #8
    cruiserguy

    cruiserguy Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jul 31, 2016
    Member:
    #193416
    Messages:
    18,924
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Elijah
    SLC
    Vehicle:
    2000 ext cab, 2.7L, auto, 4x4
    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"

    Joined:
    Dec 2, 2016
    Member:
    #203828
    Messages:
    10,111
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jon
    Scottsdale Arizona
    Vehicle:
    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.

Products Discussed in

To Top