Rumbling sound

[Philb]

Does anyone have a low rumbling sound from their 2013 Sonic LT?
It comes and goes but it's there every time I drive, usually about 30 mph and over. It's hard to describe, it's not a metal-on-metal sound like a wheel bearing would make, just sort of a rumbling. I've tried shifting into neutral when I hear it to eliminate an engine/transmission source but it's still there. I've been to the Chevy dealer but they claim there's nothing wrong. I've considered a possible tire issue so I had them rotated but it made no difference. I did trade in an Acura TL for this Sonic so maybe I'm just used to smooth, quiet luxury and what I'm hearing is just normal for a small hatchback. I've only had the Sonic for a couple of weeks and it has a set of Regul M&S tires on it in good condition appearance wise.
Am I being overly critical or is what I'm hearing normal?

 

[Natesriv]

Hatchback? Noise from rear?

 

[Philb]

Yes, hatchback.
Do you think it could be the wind noise that some people have complained about? Doesn't sound like wind but I won't rule it out. I'm going to try the tape on the gasket trick to see if that's the problem.

 

[Breezybro]

Get us a video clip.

 

[Prospector]

My engine has a throaty throttle to it - is it body noise or engine noise?

 

[Philb]

Not engine noise and I only hear it when the car is moving.
I tried tape over the rear hatch opening to eliminate any possible wind noise as some have experienced but that wasn't it. I didn't think so as it didn't sound like wind. It seems to be coming from somewhere under the car. It's going back to the used car dealer I bought it from next Tuesday because my local Chevy dealership said "recommend replace front brakes and pads (scored)". Hopefully I'll get a brake job out of them. I do get a low pitched scraping sound when braking at times but I get the rumbling when not braking. Maybe more time behind the wheel will reveal something.

 

[Prospector]

Have you listened for it from outside the car? Try having your wife or friend drive by slowly while you listen at roadside?

 

[Natesriv]

Search for a post started by me on noise

 

[Natesriv]

http://www.sonicownersforum.com/forum/chevy-sonic-owners-forum/6164-noise-rear.html

 

[Philb]

I think I'm going to wait until I get the brake job done on Tuesday before I pursue it any further. Who knows, it might be related to the brakes after all and all will be well after Tuesday (wishfull thinking)!
Thanks for all the suggestions though!

 

[Chevrolet Customer Care]

Does anyone have a low rumbling sound from their 2013 Sonic LT?
It comes and goes but it's there every time I drive, usually about 30 mph and over. It's hard to describe, it's not a metal-on-metal sound like a wheel bearing would make, just sort of a rumbling. I've tried shifting into neutral when I hear it to eliminate an engine/transmission source but it's still there. I've been to the Chevy dealer but they claim there's nothing wrong. I've considered a possible tire issue so I had them rotated but it made no difference. I did trade in an Acura TL for this Sonic so maybe I'm just used to smooth, quiet luxury and what I'm hearing is just normal for a small hatchback. I've only had the Sonic for a couple of weeks and it has a set of Regul M&S tires on it in good condition appearance wise.
Am I being overly critical or is what I'm hearing normal?

Hey Philb,

We apologize for this! I would be more than happy to contact the dealership regarding this and possibly discuss additional options with them. Feel free to send me a private message including your VIN, current mileage, contact information and a preferred dealership. Looking forward to your updates!

Patsy G
Chevrolet Customer Care

 

[SuperFudd]

When you hear the noise, apply the brakes lightly. Does that change the sound? In what way?

 

[Philb]

Hi SuperFudd,
Thanks for your input.
Applying the brakes lightly also makes a sound but I've attributed that to the scored brake rotors. A heavier braking sound is more typical of what I would consider worn pads. You apply the brakes - you hear noise - bad brake pads. Although, come to think of it, the brakes don't always make noise. I don't think it's the same sound but having had the car for only a couple of weeks, and not having driven it all that much, I'm still trying to get used to how it behaves/feels/sounds. I'll be driving it to church this morning and will pay closer attention to the brake sounds. I had my Acura for almost 12 years and knew exactly how everything behaved, felt and sounded. Miss that car!

 

[Prospector]

Yesterday I did my first real highway driving - spent the day touring colleges with my kid, and yup - we heard your sound. Since I'm usually not driving highway speeds, I had never heard it before. Going to try the weatherstrip solution. I wonder how well it will work.

Honestly I likely won't see the result for months since I am never on the highway in this car.

 

[Philb]

Yesterday I tried covering the gap in the rear hatch at the top between the hinges with wide packaging tape but that made absolutely no difference in the sound.
I drove the Sonic this morning and I'm pretty sure the sound is coming from the rear.
I'm thinking it's a bearing noise. I tried turning the wheel left and right as I drove to see if it was possibly a wheel bearing but that didn't produce any noise. No clunking, no clicking, no difference whether I zigged left or zagged right. The steering is tight and there are no vibrations. It's not a constant sound and it seems to occur mostly when there is no load on the engine like when accelerating up to say 40 mph and then backing off to maintain speed. It's that sort of neutral, coasting condition when it's the loudest.