Strange Sound

[EdinJazz]

Hi

New member here.

I have a Honda 1.4 I-vtec 2015 Jazz.  I love it and intend to keep it forever.  So far, it’s given 10 years of faultless performance, just needing an annual service, plus brakes and tyres. It’s done about 70,000 miles. 

However, just recently I noticed a faint noise when I turn left.  It doesn’t happen when turning on most corners on most roads, but if I need to do a large turn – perhaps in a car park or on a large roundabout – I hear the noise.  Also, just occasionally when reversing out of a parking space and turning either left or right I hear the sound. 

It doesn’t sound like steering or suspension, at least I don’t think so as it isn’t a knocking or clunking. Instead, it sounds exactly as if there is something loose in the exhaust, or perhaps a loose heatshield. It sounds like a tinkling.

I took the car to a tyre and exhaust garage who I trust. They checked out everything and said they found nothing. They said they road tested the car, but I don’t think they did a big enough turn as after they checked it, I took it immediately to a large supermarket car park and did a sweeping turn, and there was the noise again.

My main dealer garage, who has looked after the car since I bought it, tells me that they now charge £150 for an “Diagnostic Fee” but I don’t want to necessarily pay that. I think that’s crazy, as they should take it in to find the problem and then charge me to fix it, not charge an upfront fee.

Does anyone have any idea what this might be?  Logic tells me it’s the steering, suspension, or something loose on the exhaust, but it has been checked but it simply doesn’t sound like it is them as I say it’s a “tinkling” noise.

All thoughts welcome.

Thanks.

[Marco1979]

Maybe it is one of the joints in between driveshaft and wheel. They are lubricated inside a rubber seal, this might deteriorate over time and can make a noise, especially in sharp corners.
Maybe you need a new seal or filling of it with fresh gunk 

[Lord Voltermore]

Welcome to the forum.

I'm a bit confused as I would have expected noise to  to be more likely with a tight turn than large turns.  But then again I'm also surprised that my Coffee machine vibrates more with a heavy mug than a small cup ,when the opposite seems more logical.   

You mention past expense included brakes.  Have the pads been replaced or serviced recently?  Sometimes brake pad anti squeal shims can squeal ,either  due to recent brake work, or because work is needed (maybe just cleaning )     Or you might be right about  an exhaust shield etc  vibrating. Maybe a large turn sets up just the right resonance to get it vibrating.

The only thing I can suggest is  if you are able to provoke the noise   when the car is dry try the same thing when the brakes are thoroughly soaked by heavy rain. (or chuck a bucket of water on them  )  If the lubricating and cleaning effect of being wet stops or reduces the tinkling noise, (even if its only temporary) it may point you in the right direction. 

I too would be wary of paying a main dealer £150 just for a 'diagnosis'. I think the cause  will be something quite subtle, and not specific just to Honda.  I have my doubts that a Honda garage is any more likely to find it than a competent stop and steer specialist.. 

[EdinJazz]

Many thanks for taking the trouble to reply. If I find out what it is I will post.