Helicopter noise

[Jo]

The last couple of times I have driven my car it has sounded like there is a helicopter flying up above.  There definitely hasn't been a helicopter there.  I thought initally it may be noise from the tyres driving on different road surfaces but I don't think this is what the problem is.  Additionally, whereas the ride is usually nice and smooth it has felt quite jerky.  I don't know if these two problems are connected but I was wondering if anybody knows what could be causing them.  Thanks.

[guest3040]

Does the noise happen whilst stationary, or only when moving?
First check that you have adequate tyre pressures. The pressures are shown on the door shut on the drivers side.
I can't really give you much assistance with the description you have given. My money would be on a flat tyre, but I can't see how anyone would miss that.
In what way does the car feel "jerky"?

[tonytan]

From what you have described,firstly check your tyres if they are fairly old or are a cheap brand it could possibly be distorted/out of shape (i.e no longer perfectly round) due to abnormal or uneven wear or even kerb or impact damage which can lead to the noise you described especially at speeds. The best way to check this is to jack up each wheel/tyre individually and spin them by hand and visibly check for roundness looking at it face wise and tread wise. Hope this helps.

[caseyjones]

Funny thing is - the last time I flew my helicopter it sounded just like a Honda Jazz. Do you think there's something wrong?

Seriously though - the question about whether it happens just when you're moving or also when you're at rest is very pertinent. If it only happens when you're moving, and it seems to be linked to road speed (i.e. it gets faster or louder as you go faster) then it's almost certainly got something to do with the road wheels and it needs investigating fast, as there is a big safety consideration there. As previous correspondents have said, you must check very carefully for distorted or otherwise damaged tires, things stuck in the tread, things wrapped round the drive shafts, etc etc.....

[Jo]

Thanks for your replies.  The noise only happens when the car is moving, not stationary.  I'm going to have a quick look at the car in a minute to see if I can see any obvious signs of tyre damage.

[Jo]

Couldn't see anything out of the ordinary with the tyres on quick inspection -I wasn't able to jack them up but from what i could see no flat tyres or punctures, no rips in the tyres or anything stuck in them.  Checked all tyre pressures, they're all correct.  The jerky thing I mentioned I think I'll have to get back to you about, cos I can't find the right words at the moment to describe what I mean!

[guest1262]

Not helping Jo but:

Driving along the A30 I heard a similar helicopter noise. As it got louder I became concerned that something was going wrong until a shadow appeared directly above our Jazz and advance along the road in front.

It was an Apache helicopter flying very low. The pilot, from Augusta Westland in Yoevil I suppose, must have been playing war games. Quite scary really.

One of my ex business partner's sons is the commander of a flight/group/squadron (whatever) of Apaches and when the opportunity arises comes in low over his dad's nearby. Bristling with weapons they are very threatening.

[guest3170]

Does the ride feel wobbly/jerky through the steering wheel and if there is vibration does the frequency increase and decrease in severity along with your speed? if so could be a wheel balancing issue. It's not necessarily always due to damage either. A big lump of mud (or in my case recently snow & ice) stuck to the inside of a wheel where you can't see it can cause the same symptoms...

[Jo]

Panic over, just took the car down to my local garage.  A few miles driving and various questions about the noise and we have got to the bottom of the problem.  I am feeling very embarrassed to have wasted your time and that of my mechanic's.  Turns out the noise was caused by my having the back window partly open and apparantly the helicopter noise was in fact, the wind blowing through the car.  Didn't manage to find out why the car was jerking, of course it drove perfectly when he was with me.  Isn't it always the way?  I will try not to bother you again with any more stupid questions.  Thanks again.

[guest2662]

glad you got it sorted. he-he