Guest Tracker Posted October 22, 2008 Share Posted October 22, 2008 There is an interesting article in MMM this month on page 173 and by one William Loneskie in which he explains some rather unusual noise killing methods. I don't know that I would go for two layers of underlay like William but I'll bet that it is like walking on clouds! I always believed that alloy wheels transmitted more road noise and suspension shocks than steel wheels because cast aluminium is stiffer and less ductile than mild steel - or so I thought - am I wrong? Certainly the lower the tyre profile and the wider the wheel and tyre the worse the ride and noise become. It all makes me wonder what words of wisdom the vast combined experience that we forumites together all have could add to the noise solving issue that manufacturers have yet to address - perhaps because no one tells them that it is an issue? I have always liked a van with fitted carpet and long before vinyl floors became the norm because 'we all wanted them' allegedly, not due to cost savings of course - most quality coachbuilts had carpet fitted to the entire floor prior to the van being fitted out which was a good way to start. Even so I would always fit a second layer of good quality carpet on top (including the lockers and especially the wheel arches) and I never failed to be amazed at the improvement to foot comfort, warmth, draught and noise levels. These days I opt for one layer of heavy rubber backed underlay and then a layer of fitted carpet (including lockers cupboards and wheel arches) and put the aptly named loose carpets with their appalling fit in the loft until the van is sold. The best way to find draughts and unwanted wind (of the non dietary kind) is to park up on a cliff top in a gale and get down on yer hands and knees and just feel around (the van) - you might well be amazed at just where the cold air gets in especially at floor level! Be careful never to block off the gas drop out vent though for safety reasons although you can fit aluminium or plastic baffles on the underfloor to reduce windage. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
colin Posted October 22, 2008 Share Posted October 22, 2008 Funny enough we prefer vynal and rubber mats than carpet. As for tyre size, on Astra swopped 15" original wheels to 14" with higher profile tyres which lessened noise Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
davenewellhome Posted October 22, 2008 Share Posted October 22, 2008 On the subject of wheels and tyres we've just replaced the steel wheels (185 75 14 tyres) with alloys (195 60 15) on the wife's Focus and it has transformed the ride and handling as well as reducing road noise. The trouble with all that carpet and underlay is its heavy stuff and therefore eats into the available payload in big bites! D. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
George Collings Posted October 24, 2008 Share Posted October 24, 2008 Interesting that your Focus is quieter on a lower profile set of alloys Dave. The road noise and harsh ride over coa**e surfaces with the standard steel wheels is the only real complaint I have about mine. Accepted wisdom is that higher profile tyres give a softer ride and better road noise suppression but tyres that are quiet on one car can be noisy on another. Replacing worn tyres with a new set usually improves both steering feel and road noise. Could it be it is the full depth of tread that cuts noise transmission? I have doubts about alloy wheels being noisier. Bang a steel wheel and it rings but an alloy just clangs. Still the proof of the pudding is in the earache. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
davenewellhome Posted October 24, 2008 Share Posted October 24, 2008 Yes George, I was surprised that the alloys were quieter. I swapped them from my Escort as I'm getting shot of it and there are four new tyres on it (done about 2000 miles on them). I have to say I've always been impressed with the handling of the Focus but these alloys and low profiles transform it, it really does go round fast corners like its on rails :D >:-) ! D. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
davenewellhome Posted October 24, 2008 Share Posted October 24, 2008 Oops sorry, stuttery finger :-S . D. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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