Smoke Bomb - Reducing Wind Noise

[csquire4]

Hi all, Like most of us I get a bit of wind noise entering the cabin when driving above 35mph. It's not terrible but I think it could be improved.

I know I can reset the windows, adjust the angle and pack out some of the seals. However before I do it I was wondering if it's possible to identify the actual leaks/source of noise.

One idea I had was the buy a smoke bomb and set it off in the car and then hopefully see the gaps where smoke will be escaping from.

You can buy them on eBay for a few quid.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Smoke-Bombs-2-Red-Pellets-Size-Large-Jokes-/331648219604?hash=item4d37c639d4:g:smIAAOSwrklVeBnF

Stupid idea?

 

[Zed Five]

Yes, i think its a stupid idea. The car is not airtight, so smoke would come from everywhere. It might also taint the interior of the car.

Get someone to sit inside, then pressure wash the car with purpose. You will find any leaks.

 

[mr.tourette]

wouldn't be my first choice..most wind tends to enter from the drivers window around the area it curves from vertical to horizontal

 

[biojo]

youd be better off blowing air around the seals and listen to where it makes the noise

or water and see where it comes in

i def wouldnt use a smoke bomb, we used similar stuff at work and it does stain and stinks

 

[Nictrix]

Although you can hear wind noise it doesnt neccessarily mean that there is a gap somewhere. It could just be the wind passing an uneven join in the roof, windows or doors.

 

[csquire4]

Cheers, I'll stick with water.

 

[srhutch]

If you want a smoke test, you could try an odour bomb. They use them to defumigate cars. They are an aerosol which you activate and then close the doors. No idea how much of a cloud is produced though.

YouTube will probably give you an idea.

 

[walker1c]

I've seen professional roof refurbishers use an ultrasonic device to locate leaks and air gaps. Presumably there's a sound emitter inside the car and they go round the outside with a detector.

Unfortunately I've no idea where you might find such a device

 

[Greg 01]

The smoke bombs are for use with coal fires etc light them put in fire to see if the chimney is air tight etc . Not to good for the car :thumbsdown:

 

[MACK]

Although you can get automotive smoke generating diagnostic machines they're designed to find air leaks in induction/intake systems not really the interior.

For what it's worth and the ease you can adjust the window I would just trial and error it. Try adjusting the window up a few mm to start with and see if you notice any difference.