This is really strange. After hitting around 60 mph, I hear a continuous ticking behind the passenger compartment. It is not in the compartment. It stays exactly the same in cadence. It gets a somewhat louder upon acceleration and decreases upon deceleration. I researched this on the site and, following some advice, I tightened down the spare tire. I also ensured that the spare tire compartment cover was tightly attached. I then removed everything from the trunk. And, no, it is not the passenger seatbelt. It remains fastened when I don't have a passenger in the car. So, I had high hopes this morning when I went to work and took her up to speed. POI! Damnit if it didn't still occur!!! Does anyone have any ideas of what could be causing this? It's driving me nuts.

BTW, has anyone had any trouble with leaking trunks? When I cleaned out the trunk in my quest for quiet, I found that the toolkit was wet and upon lifting it out, I found at least 1 1/2 inches of water in the little well there. Oddly enough, nothing in the trunk proper -- above the toolkit where I keep all my stuff, was wet at all ?! Really odd. Unfortunately. that is where I kept my manual and other paperwork and they were totally soaked. Any thoughts?

Thanks in advance.

 

Top.

 

More info on the ticking sound. It appears at 64 mph and increases in loudness upon acceleration. It, however, continues, while softer, when the car is "coasting" with the clutch disengaged. The ticking remains at a constant speed. It disappears below 64 mph. Does ANYBODY have any idea what's going on? It is really annoying.

 

Are you sure its not the seat belt flapping in the wind?

 

Absolutely. The seat belt is cinched AND the windows are closed. Grrrrrrrrrrrrr.

 

Rock or nail in tire?

Diff noise? Changed your fluid at all?

CV joint noise? Check your boots' condition. Check your play in the half shafts. Try driving slowly in tight figure "8" pattern with radio off and listen.

Wheel hub noise?

 

Thanks, Xviper, for the thoughtful response! I knew I could count on you! It's not a nail. The sound does not increase with speed. If it were hub noise, wouldn't it too increase with speed? Regarding the differential, I don't know. The fluid hasn't been changed yet. I only have 12,000 miles on the car. Wouldn't that increase in cadence too with speed? I'll check the CV Joints and do as you suggest.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by marclw
[B]Thanks, Xviper, for the thoughtful response! I knew I could count on you! It's not a nail. The sound does not increase with speed.

 

Thanks. I'll check out all these items. Interesting comment about the top and the leaking trunk. I had an unfortunate experience in Sept of hydroplaning into a guardrail (damn S02's). They had to remove the top to do some of the body work. Maybe they screwed it up somehow. I'll let you know what I found out about your suggestions. I really need to find a cause for that damn ticking!!

 

Oh, a couple of things . . . . The noise diminishes, but does not go away, when I am over 64 mph and have the clutch disengaged. It gets louder on load. Should I silicone the trunk seals?