Wind Noise-Not Kazoo

I did some researching on this forum, but didn’t find exactly what I am looking for, so bear with me if this is a repeat. I recently purchased a 2017 Toyota Tacoma Sport 4WD, access cab, manual transmission. Very shortly after the purchase (less than 1000 mi on the odometer), I started realizing a wind noise on the driver side, it sounds like the window is slightly cracked open and starts around 60 mph. It does NOT sound like mirror noise or the kazoo noise that I am seeing posted within this forum and doesn't have to do with crosswinds (it happens all the time no matter what is happening outside); sounds like a window very slightly open. It is really noticeable as you drive near a barrier (such as a jersey barrier along the highway) where the sound is reflected back. I first noticed a small gap in the vertical rubber molding on the door frame, where the vertical molding meets the rubber molding in the corner of the access door frame. This gap was not present on the passenger side or on another Tacoma access cab I looked at. So I brought it to the dealership and had them replace the molding to remove the gap. In meantime I taped up every seam with painters tape: the seam that runs around the entire door where the door meets the frame, the seam where the window meets the rubber weather stripping on the door (the glass to rubber interface on the window itself) and then the seam around the entire access cab window (the window that does not open). I taped each seam system individually and drove the truck for some distance at 60 mph. In each case the noise did not change. Then after the dealership replaced the molding the noise also did not change. The only thing I can surmise is poor door seals, the door insulation is minimal at best or it is a design flaw that allows the aerodynamics to generate noise at higher speeds at the door/window seams. The odd part is, is if it was poor door seals, wouldn't the painters tape have minimized the noise? To say this is frustrating is an understatement after spending over $35k on a new truck. The dealership sales rep and the service rep have never heard of this issue but complaints are online. I can't chalk this up to, “it is a truck so noise will be present”, or “you have to just let it go”. Certainly making me second guess my decision to go Toyota again (my previous 2002 Tacoma lasted 312,000 mi and I loved it). I have seen some complaints on the 2017 Highlander where wind noise is due to gaps in the chrome trim under the side mirror, but I don’t think that applies to the Tacoma. I had a friend drive the truck as I sat in the passenger seat and it didn’t appear to be as prevalent, but I haven’t spent much time in the passenger seat to really compare. I don’t want to just drop it at the dealer and hope for the best, so I will continue my investigation, but I am really running out of ideas. Disappointing and at a loss here, any thoughts on this are appreciated. Thanks in advance.

 

Sometimes when the wind is coming at the truck from a particular direction, there is a cavitation noise where the air breaks over the roof at the windshield. It's air; nothing wrong with the seals.

I can't do the posted 85 on the toll road because the noise starts around 80.

I can live with doing 75.

 

The weird thing is, it happens every day, all day at 60mph or over. That what makes me think it is a door seal thing. I can't imagine it is normal, but I could be wrong I suppose. I test drove a separate Sport Access cab, but don't recall hearing it. Although most of my test drive was back roads and I didn't even think it was a thing at the time. There is a local 4WD place by me that just purchased a Sport Access cab; I discussed my issue with them and they did not express the same concerns. He is the one that suggested the painters tape test. He did see the gap in the door seals (the one I described that was replaced by the dealer) which was not present on his; but once again it didn't solve the problem. Ugh.

 

Out of curiosity, where are you at? Is it particularly windy? Are you driving into a headwind?

 

Located in NJ - not overly windy. My daily commute is in a N-S direction and on the road quite a bit. So I am always heading in different directions but the noise is present in any direction I travel. As a travel I try to pinpoint the noise. Without any solid proof, I feel it is around the access cab door; but can't say for certain.

 

Yeah, several other people have reported this. I have it, right next to my head in the driver seat. Sounds like the window is cracked when above 55-60mph. Dealership wouldn't recognize the issue. I think some people have put rubber tubing in the space where the seal is to create more tension, so you might try that.

 

Might very well be - I've got a DC so I don't have the AC door to deal with.

 

I have the same noise on my passenger side.

Dealer can't replicate...

 

Same here - dealer says they heard it and was solved with the piece of door seal replacement; not the case. I've had so-so dealings with the dealer so I want to pinpoint something before dropping it off and letting them figure it out. Sounds like I need to continue my investigation. Crazy how this is a thing - seems like a clear issue to be recognized and solved. Not as if it is a mystery sound buried in the engine.

 

Yea, maybe I'll give that a try. Thanks.

 

I have a slight wind noise as well. Double cab driver side seems to be coming from the middle (both front and back windows)

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/whistling-noise-not-lca-or-window-seal.501458/#post-15641217

 

On mine, it was the piece of plastic that runs down the edge of the front doors coming loose. I added new double sided tape where it was coming apart and so far so good. It was happening with cross winds on the freeway.

 

I think its an access cab thing, mine does this as well. Had the dealer check it along with a few other issues at my most recent service visit, all were normal or could not be replicated.

This one in particular I was told was a characteristic of the AC because of the design of the doors. I told them I've had 2 extended cab Chevy's and an extended cab 2002 Tundra and none of them had this issue. They do not really seem to care. Mine, however, is mainly when I am above 70mph or with a strong headwind.

 

60mps and over, in JUST the right cross winds or, anytime I was at 70 mph.

3/8 inch foam tubing, "Frost king" backer rod and some RTV sealant or gasket sealant (I used clear) and the noise is GONE. there are a few posts but once you look at the seal and pull on it a little bit, you'll know exactly where the backer rod has to go. I've driven through ice storms and some bad rain storms since I did it. Once was a nor'easter I followed from NC all the way up to Philly on 95 corridor. Swear I drove through the thick of it and I followed it the whole way up. The fix didn't cause any water issues.

I never took it to dealer because it takes me so damn long to get to the dealer in traffic. It cost me under $15 or so to deal with it vs 3 hours round trip to dealer in traffic (worst case scenario) or 90 minutes round trip best case scenario. no closer toyota dealer near by.

 

Barcared - was that backer rod placed on the main door or the access cab door (or both)? I am assuming the door(s) is where you placed it vs the truck itself (where the door closes and meets the truck).

 

Got any pics..?? I want to the same thing, but if you actually solved it, it would be nice to see the pics of where you put that rod...

Pics ... Please..

 

Sorry....I just had to.

 

I have the exact same noise...

 

Try monitoring noise level with A/C or Heater in OFF ... then turn on off and listen for change in pitch & sound level...I think it may be caused by air pressure balancing vent in the rear of the cab (vents out between cab and P/Up box...allows cab air to escape & door to close easily when door is closed quickly. Cabin air pressure is increased by the fan speed as well as ground speed, thus venting noise increases.????
I've had this annoyance since new & have gotten use to it! , (dealer response to this complaint " they all do it, working as designed" ..which I took to mean... we don't design & build them, just sell & service them"). Dealer has been outstanding handling all other issues like doing the shift reprogram etc so I think it's probably an issue, but not a safety issue, that Toyota is aware of & will be corrected only if enough customers complain or the cab design is updated.