Harmonic noise inside at 60 - 70 mph - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

camdaddy · 10-22-2009, 11:09 AM

Has anyone else expierienced this? My Camaro is a 2LT with a manual transmission and standard 19" tires and wheels. At about 60-70 mph, I am getting what I call a harmonic noise inside the car. It's at it's peak level at 67 mph. I took it to the dealership last week and they road tested it and came back saying they heard the noise and would check it out further this week. We also drove 2 other similar cars on the lot, one was an RS and one was identical to mine. The RS had the same noise but was less noticable because the summer tires are noisier than the 19" P Zero Nero. The Camaro identical to mine was actually worse and through a wider speed range.

When I took the car back to the dealership yesterday, they said no abnormal noise found, normal condition. Also, the contacted the technical assistance center who also said it's a normal condition.

Maybe this is a problem only with V6 manuals, I don't know, but I have now driven 3 different V6 manual Camaros all with the same problem in varying degrees.

I think the answers I was given are total BS. Anyone else have an opinion?

Dan3 · 10-22-2009, 11:15 AM

I wish I could help you, but the only harmonic noise in my SS is me singing along with the radio.

So just consider this a bump, and good luck getting a satisfactory end result.

camdaddy · 10-22-2009, 05:32 PM

I believe it doesn't involve the engine or the exaust. Here's why. Engine RPM doesn't seem to matter, (it makes the same sound in either 5th or 6th gear at the same MPH).
Also, I took it up to 80 mph, put the clutch in and coasted down through the speed range and the noise still happens at the same speed range. With the engine at idle while coasting, I believe that eliminates engine or exaust as part of the problem.
I believe it's a balance problem in the drive train, possibly the drive shaft or even internally in the transmission.

It's kind of annoying that General Motors claims that it's a normal condition. If anyone else out there has this problem, let your dealership know about it. Things like this don't get fixed unless people let it be known that it's a problem. The "new" General Motors had better do a better job in customer service if the want to keep us coming back for more. I am considering a new Equinox or Buick LaCrosse for the wife.

Rtoups · 10-22-2009, 05:33 PM

Is a window open?

Brokinarrow · 10-22-2009, 05:35 PM

gotta be somethin to do with the tires i would think.

camdaddy · 10-22-2009, 05:54 PM

The windows are up and I suppose it could be tires, but I doubt it. I sold tires for a few years and this just doesn't feel like tires to me. The ride is smooth and vibration free. Don't forget, I also heard the noise road testing an RS with summer tires on it. The noise does occurr on either blacktop or concrete. It is most noticable on blacktop since that is a quieter surface.

phantomcam · 10-28-2009, 06:11 PM

I picked up my 2LT 6M yesterday. I drove it around town, but not fast. Today coming home from work I took it on the highway. Between 57-70 mph I get that harmonic noise that you described (didn't go faster). I tried everything, putting it in neutral, different gears, etc. Not only is there this low frequency rumble it oscillates. I look on the net to see any complaints regarding the Pirelli P Zero tires, didn't see any though. It almost feels like the tires aren't balanced correctly or something is loose, such as a motor mount, drive shaft, etc. Anyway camdaddy you are not alone.

THIS IS NOT A NORMAL CONDITION! Do not let them try to convince you. We are not the only ones with this problem, based on the fact that you tested other cams and they exhibited the same problem. It will get resolved but it will take time. Because people will complain and they will have to look into it. I am calling up the dealership tomorrow, and have them check mine next week.

camdaddy · 10-31-2009, 11:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by phantomcam

I picked up my 2LT 6M yesterday. I drove it around town, but not fast. Today coming home from work I took it on the highway. Between 57-70 mph I get that harmonic noise that you described (didn't go faster). I tried everything, putting it in neutral, different gears, etc. Not only is there this low frequency rumble it oscillates. I look on the net to see any complaints regarding the Pirelli P Zero tires, didn't see any though. It almost feels like the tires aren't balanced correctly or something is loose, such as a motor mount, drive shaft, etc. Anyway camdaddy you are not alone.

THIS IS NOT A NORMAL CONDITION! Do not let them try to convince you. We are not the only ones with this problem, based on the fact that you tested other cams and they exhibited the same problem. It will get resolved but it will take time. Because people will complain and they will have to look into it. I am calling up the dealership tomorrow, and have them check mine next week.

Thanks for letting me know that I'm not completely nuts! I am maintaining a weekly presence at my dealership. I will not let them sweep this problem under the rug. If anyone else out there has a V6 manual that has these symptoms, please, go to the dealer and register your disatisfaction with it.

They say the squeaky wheel gets the grease, but I think the more we all squeak, the sooner this will be resolved.

tjd24 · 10-31-2009, 11:49 AM

I haven't experienced this in my 2LT A6 and regularly drive 60-75pmh so either an M6 issue or wheel balance issue IMO.

camdaddy · 10-31-2009, 12:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tjd24

I haven't experienced this in my 2LT A6 and regularly drive 60-75pmh so either an M6 issue or wheel balance issue IMO.

Thanks for your input. I think this is limited to the manual transmission. Possibly related to the early constraint on V6 manuals?

phantomcam · 10-31-2009, 05:03 PM

I was not aware of a constraint on the M6. I have looked at other posts within Camaro05 and there has been a lot of discussions regarding vibration. That seems to be related to the Pirelli P zero balancing and alignments. It would appear that these tires needed "road force balancing". I do not believe I have a balancing issue, I do not really feel vibration as much as it is a low frequency harmonic roar between 60-70 mph. I did notice the other day going to work that when I got onto the interstate, the car did not make the noise right away, but after a few miles it came back. When I checked the tire pressure via the DIC each tire read 37 psi. Tomorrow I will take the car back on the interstate and see if I can diagnose it further. The more information I can give the service dealership the better chance of a facilitating a repair. Bringing the car in Monday morning. I'll keep you posted. Other than that I simply love the car - it's great!

yubman · 10-31-2009, 07:41 PM

Has anyone tried swapping tires to see if the noise goes away?

Currently I drive a 99 miata and pretty much all of the them up to the new body style sufferes from the 65mph shimmy (vibration at 55-65mph); just something about the body shell at that speed.

I'd hate to hear that the camaro has a similar "quirk".

Revo1 · 10-31-2009, 07:45 PM

Harmonic huh? Sounds soothing...

ZZZZZZZ...

mike25 · 10-31-2009, 08:22 PM

i believe i know what your talking about...but i only hear it every now and then when the windows down.

10-22-2009, 11:09 AM	#1
camdaddy 67 and still a Camaro nut Drives: 2010 IOM 2LT 6M Airaid/Corsa Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Holt, MI near Lansing Posts: 61	Harmonic noise inside at 60 - 70 mph Has anyone else expierienced this? My Camaro is a 2LT with a manual transmission and standard 19" tires and wheels. At about 60-70 mph, I am getting what I call a harmonic noise inside the car. It's at it's peak level at 67 mph. I took it to the dealership last week and they road tested it and came back saying they heard the noise and would check it out further this week. We also drove 2 other similar cars on the lot, one was an RS and one was identical to mine. The RS had the same noise but was less noticable because the summer tires are noisier than the 19" P Zero Nero. The Camaro identical to mine was actually worse and through a wider speed range. When I took the car back to the dealership yesterday, they said no abnormal noise found, normal condition. Also, the contacted the technical assistance center who also said it's a normal condition. Maybe this is a problem only with V6 manuals, I don't know, but I have now driven 3 different V6 manual Camaros all with the same problem in varying degrees. I think the answers I was given are total BS. Anyone else have an opinion? Last edited by camdaddy; 10-22-2009 at 12:04 PM.

10-22-2009, 11:15 AM	#2
Dan3 Captain of the Failboat Drives: 2010 IBM Camaro 2SS/RS Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: USAF Seymour Johnson- Goldsboro, NC Posts: 405	I wish I could help you, but the only harmonic noise in my SS is me singing along with the radio. So just consider this a bump, and good luck getting a satisfactory end result. __________________ 2010 Camaro 2SS - Imperial Blue w/Black Leather Interior Ordered - 22 June 2009 Produced - 10 August 2009 : #34143 Delivered - 25 August 2009

10-22-2009, 05:32 PM	#3
camdaddy 67 and still a Camaro nut Drives: 2010 IOM 2LT 6M Airaid/Corsa Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Holt, MI near Lansing Posts: 61	I believe it doesn't involve the engine or the exaust. Here's why. Engine RPM doesn't seem to matter, (it makes the same sound in either 5th or 6th gear at the same MPH). Also, I took it up to 80 mph, put the clutch in and coasted down through the speed range and the noise still happens at the same speed range. With the engine at idle while coasting, I believe that eliminates engine or exaust as part of the problem. I believe it's a balance problem in the drive train, possibly the drive shaft or even internally in the transmission. It's kind of annoying that General Motors claims that it's a normal condition. If anyone else out there has this problem, let your dealership know about it. Things like this don't get fixed unless people let it be known that it's a problem. The "new" General Motors had better do a better job in customer service if the want to keep us coming back for more. I am considering a new Equinox or Buick LaCrosse for the wife. Last edited by camdaddy; 10-22-2009 at 05:48 PM.

10-22-2009, 05:33 PM	#4
Rtoups Drives: RJT 2LT Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Palos Verdes, California Posts: 602 View My Garage	Is a window open? __________________ SoCal Camaro5 Family Member

10-22-2009, 05:35 PM	#5
Brokinarrow Drives: 2012 Honda NC700x Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Indianola, IA Posts: 5,317 View My Garage	gotta be somethin to do with the tires i would think. __________________

10-22-2009, 05:54 PM	#6
camdaddy 67 and still a Camaro nut Drives: 2010 IOM 2LT 6M Airaid/Corsa Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Holt, MI near Lansing Posts: 61	The windows are up and I suppose it could be tires, but I doubt it. I sold tires for a few years and this just doesn't feel like tires to me. The ride is smooth and vibration free. Don't forget, I also heard the noise road testing an RS with summer tires on it. The noise does occurr on either blacktop or concrete. It is most noticable on blacktop since that is a quieter surface.

10-28-2009, 06:11 PM	#7
phantomcam Drives: ABM 2LT 6M Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: New Jersey Posts: 27	I picked up my 2LT 6M yesterday. I drove it around town, but not fast. Today coming home from work I took it on the highway. Between 57-70 mph I get that harmonic noise that you described (didn't go faster). I tried everything, putting it in neutral, different gears, etc. Not only is there this low frequency rumble it oscillates. I look on the net to see any complaints regarding the Pirelli P Zero tires, didn't see any though. It almost feels like the tires aren't balanced correctly or something is loose, such as a motor mount, drive shaft, etc. Anyway camdaddy you are not alone. THIS IS NOT A NORMAL CONDITION! Do not let them try to convince you. We are not the only ones with this problem, based on the fact that you tested other cams and they exhibited the same problem. It will get resolved but it will take time. Because people will complain and they will have to look into it. I am calling up the dealership tomorrow, and have them check mine next week.

10-31-2009, 11:49 AM	#9
tjd24 Thank you Oshawa/St.Cats! Drives: was 2010 2LT RS 2G1FC1EV4A9103434 Join Date: May 2009 Location: NW NJ Posts: 3,481 View My Garage	I haven't experienced this in my 2LT A6 and regularly drive 60-75pmh so either an M6 issue or wheel balance issue IMO. __________________ #3434 Born 4-15-2009, Delivered 5-22-2009 BBOMG 2/3/4 - Traded-in 8/31/2019:

10-31-2009, 05:03 PM	#11
phantomcam Drives: ABM 2LT 6M Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: New Jersey Posts: 27	I was not aware of a constraint on the M6. I have looked at other posts within Camaro05 and there has been a lot of discussions regarding vibration. That seems to be related to the Pirelli P zero balancing and alignments. It would appear that these tires needed "road force balancing". I do not believe I have a balancing issue, I do not really feel vibration as much as it is a low frequency harmonic roar between 60-70 mph. I did notice the other day going to work that when I got onto the interstate, the car did not make the noise right away, but after a few miles it came back. When I checked the tire pressure via the DIC each tire read 37 psi. Tomorrow I will take the car back on the interstate and see if I can diagnose it further. The more information I can give the service dealership the better chance of a facilitating a repair. Bringing the car in Monday morning. I'll keep you posted. Other than that I simply love the car - it's great!

10-31-2009, 07:41 PM	#12
yubman Drives: paid for Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: USA Posts: 42	Has anyone tried swapping tires to see if the noise goes away? Currently I drive a 99 miata and pretty much all of the them up to the new body style sufferes from the 65mph shimmy (vibration at 55-65mph); just something about the body shell at that speed. I'd hate to hear that the camaro has a similar "quirk".

10-31-2009, 07:45 PM	#13
Revo1 Don't Like it? Suggit. Drives: 2010 2SS/RS Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Fresno, CA Posts: 14,832 View My Garage	Harmonic huh? Sounds soothing... ZZZZZZZ... __________________ "Tops off, tach up baby- loud and proud!" A Camaro lover from day one- 1996 3.8 V6 Camaro, to 1996 5.7 LT1 Camaro Z28, to the sold 2002 5.7 LS1 Camaro SS, and NOW, a [I]6.2 L99 VR 2SS/RS: XS Power stainless full exhaust, Airaid CAI, BMR drop springs and sways, custom tune by Cal Speed- 411rwhp

10-31-2009, 08:22 PM	#14
mike25 Drives: 2012 Camaro 2SS/RS Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Dubba V Posts: 2,869	i believe i know what your talking about...but i only hear it every now and then when the windows down. __________________ 2LT/RS M6 CGM VIN#53104 SOLD 2012 Black 2SS/RS w/ Hurst- Mods: Corsa catback, SSE, Vararam Last edited by mike25; 10-31-2009 at 09:43 PM.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Official 1/4 Mile (V8) 2010+ Camaro Fast List	Merc	Dragstrip and Launch Techniques Discussion	3656	11-01-2025 02:41 PM
Maximum Speed	trudawg660	5th Gen Camaro SS LS LT General Discussions	54	02-23-2011 03:17 PM
12.6 @ 109 mph - 2010 A6 - Slip Inside...	Chris@Livernois	Dragstrip and Launch Techniques Discussion	25	10-18-2009 06:36 PM
Gear Ratio/RPM/MPH Spreadsheet in MS Excel ...	dougmac	5th Gen Camaro SS LS LT General Discussions	8	04-20-2009 07:19 PM
Automobile Magazine Review - First Drive: 2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS	camaro5	5th Gen Camaro SS LS LT General Discussions	17	03-21-2009 01:33 PM