Noise Conditions

A gear-driven unit will produce a certain amount of noise. Some noise is acceptable and may be audible at certain speeds or under various driving conditions. The slight noise is in no way detrimental and must be considered normal.
1. Make notes throughout diagnosis routine. Use a Road Test form that includes space for comments. Make sure to write down even the smallest bit of information, as it may turn out to be most important.
2. Road test the vehicle and define the condition by reproducing it several times during the road test.
3. Perform the Road Test Quick Checks as soon as the condition is reproduced. This will identify the proper section of the diagnostic procedure.Run through the quick checks more than once, to make sure they are providing a useable result. Remember, the Road Test Quick Checks may not tell where the concern is but will tell where it is not.
4. Do not modify anything until a road test and a thorough visual inspection of the vehicle have been performed. Do not change tire pressure or vehicle load. Adjusting tire pressures, vehicle load or making other adjustments may reduce the condition's intensity to a point where it cannot be identified clearly. It may also introduce something new into the system, prohibiting proper diagnosis.

Make a visual inspection as part of the preliminary diagnostic routine, writing down anything that does not look right. Note tire pressures, but do not adjust them yet. Note leaking fluids, loose nuts or bolts, or bright spots where components may be rubbing against each other. Check luggage compartment or cargo area for unusual loads.