Published: 11-May-2011

Noise, Vibration and Harshness - Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH)

Description and Operation

Noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) is becoming more important as vehicles become more sophisticated and passenger
comfort levels increase. This section is designed to aid in the diagnosis, testing and repair of NVH concerns.

Noise is defined as sounds not associated with the operation of passenger compartment equipment that interface
with customer satisfaction.
Vibration is defined as impulses felt by the customer that are not caused by road surface changes.
Harshness is a ride quality issue where the customer feels that the vehicle response to the road surface is sharply
transmitted to the customer.

Diagnostic Theory
Diagnosis is more than just following a series of interrelated steps in order to find the solution to the specific condition. It
is a way of looking at systems that are not functioning the way they should and finding out why. Also it is knowing how
the system should work and whether it is working correctly.

There are basic rules for diagnosis. If these rules are followed, the cause of the condition is usually found the first time
through the system.

Know the System

Know how the parts go together.
Know how the system operates as well as its limits and what happens when the system goes wrong.
Sometimes this means checking the system against one that is known to be working correctly.

Know the History of the System

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A clue in any one of these areas may save time:

How old or new is the system?

What kind of treatment has it had?
Has it been repaired in the past in such a manner that might relate to the present condition?
What is the repair history?

Know the History of the Condition

Did it start suddenly or appear gradually?
Was it related to some other occurrence such as a collision or previous part renewal?
Know how the condition made itself known; it may be an important clue to the cause.

Know the Probability of Certain Conditions Developing

Look for the simple rather than the complex.
For example:
- Electrical conditions usually occur at connections rather than components.
- An engine no-start is more likely to be caused by a loose wire or small adjustment rather than a sheared-off
camshaft.
Know the difference between impossible and improbable. Certain failures in a system can be improbable but still
happen.
New parts are just that, new. It does not mean they are always good functioning parts.

Do Not Cure the Symptom and Leave the Cause

Lowering the pressure in a front tire may correct the condition of a vehicle leaning to one side, but it does not correct the
original condition.

Be Positive the Cause is Found

Double check the findings.
What caused a worn component?
A loose transmission or engine mount could indicate that other mounts are also loose.

Diagnostic Charts
Charts are a simple way of expressing the relationship between basic logic and a physical system of components. They
help discover the cause of a condition in the least time. Diagnostic charts combine many areas of diagnosis into one visual
display:

probability of certain things occurring in a system

speed of checking certain components or functions before others
simplicity of carrying out certain tests before others
elimination of checking huge portions of a system by carrying out simple tests
certainty of narrowing down the search to a small portion before carrying out in-depth testing

The fastest way to find a condition is to work with the tools that are available. This means working with proven diagnostic
charts and the correct special equipment for the system.
 Published: 11-May-2011
Noise, Vibration and Harshness - Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH)
Diagnosis and Testing

Principle of Operation
For a detailed description of Noise, Vibration and Harshness issues, refer to the Description and Operation section of the
workshop manual.
REFER to: Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH) (100-04 Noise, Vibration and Harshness, Description and Operation).

Inspection and Verification

1. 1. Verify the customer's concerns by operating the vehicle to duplicate the condition.

2. 2. Visually inspect the vehicle to determine any obvious cause(s) of the concern(s).

3. 3. If the inspection reveals obvious causes that can be readily identified, repair as necessary.

4. 4. If the concern(s) remains after the inspection, determine the symptom(s) and refer to the Symptom Chart.

How To Use This Diagnostic Procedure Section

Noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) concerns have become more important as vehicles have become more
sensitive to these vibrations. This section is designed as an aid to identifying these situations
The section provides diagnostic procedures based on symptoms. If the condition occurs at high speed, for instance,
the most likely place to start is under High Speed Shake
The road test procedure will tell how to sort the conditions into categories and how to tell a vibration from a shake
A series of Road Test Quick Checks is provided to make sure that a cause is either pinpointed or eliminated
Name the condition, proceed to the appropriate section and locate the correct diagnosis. When the condition is

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identified, the job is partly done
Follow the diagnostic procedure as outlined
Quick Checks are described within the step, while more involved tests and adjustments are outlined in General
Procedures
Always follow each step exactly and make notes to recall important findings later

Customer Interview
The road test and customer interview (if available) provide information that will help identify the concerns and will provide
direction to the correct starting point for diagnosis.

Identify the Condition

NVH problems usually occur in a number of areas:

tires
engine accessories
suspension
driveline
air leakage (wind noise)
squeaks and rattles
heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC)
electrical (e.g. motor noise)
transmission
engine

It is important, therefore, that an NVH concern be isolated into its specific area(s) as soon as possible. The easiest and
quickest way to do this is to carry out the Road Test as outlined.

Noise Diagnostic Procedure

Non-Axle Noise

The five most important sources of non-axle noise are exhaust, tires, roof racks, trim and mouldings, and transmission.

Therefore, make sure that none of the following conditions are the cause of the noise before proceeding with a driveline
tear down and diagnosis.

Under certain conditions, the pitch of the exhaust may sound very much like gear noise. At other times, it can be
mistaken for a wheel bearing rumble
Tires, especially snow tires, can have a high pitched tread whine or roar, similar to gear noise. Radial tires, to some
degree, have this characteristic. Also, any non-standard tire with an unusual tread construction may emit a roar or
whine type noise
Trim and mouldings can also cause whistling or a whining noise
Clunk may be a metallic noise heard when the automatic transmission is engaged in reverse or drive, or it may
occur when the throttle is applied or released. It is caused by backlash somewhere in the driveline
Bearing rumble sounds like marbles being tumbled. This condition is usually caused by a damaged wheel bearing

Noise Conditions

Gear noise is typically a howling or whining due to gear damage or incorrect bearing preload. It can occur at various
speeds and driving conditions, or it can be continuous
Chuckle is a particular rattling noise that sounds like a stick against the spokes of a spinning bicycle wheel. It
 occurs while decelerating from approximately 64 km/h (40 miles/h) and can usually be heard all the way to a stop.
The frequency varies with vehicle speed
Knock is very similar to chuckle, though it may be louder and occurs on acceleration or deceleration. The tear down
will disclose what has to be corrected

Check and rule out tires, exhaust and trim items before disassembling the transmission to diagnose and correct gear
noise.

The noises described under Road Test usually have specific causes that can be diagnosed by observation as the unit is
disassembled. The initial clues are the type of noise heard on the road test and the driving conditions.

Vibration Conditions

• NOTE: New Constant Velocity (CV) joints should not be installed unless disassembly and inspection revealed unusual
wear.

Clicking, popping or grinding noises may be caused by the following:

Cut or damaged CV joint boots resulting in inadequate or contaminated lubricant in the outboard or inboard CV
joint bearing housings
Loose CV joint boot clamps
Another component contacting the rear drive half shaft
Worn, damaged or incorrectly installed wheel bearing, suspension or brake component

Vibration at highway speeds may be caused by the following:

Out-of-balance front or rear wheels

Out-of-round tires
Driveline imbalance
Driveline run-out (alignment)

• NOTE: Rear drive half shafts are not balanced and are not likely to contribute to rotational vibration disturbance.

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Shudder or vibration during acceleration (including from rest) may be caused by the following:

Driveline alignment
Excessively worn or damaged outboard or inboard CV joint bearing housing
Excessively high CV joint operating angles caused by incorrect ride height. Check ride height, verify correct spring
rate and check items under Inoperative Conditions
Excessively worn driveshaft components

Leakage Conditions
1. 1. Inspect the CV joint boots for evidence of cracks, tears or splits.

2. 2. Inspect the underbody for any indication of grease splatter in the vicinity of the rear drive half shaft, outboard
and inboard CV joint boot locations, which is an indication of CV joint boot or CV joint boot clamp damage.

3. 3. Inspect the inboard CV joint bearing housing seal for leakage.

Inoperative Conditions
If a CV joint or rear drive half shaft pull-out occurs, check the following:

suspension components for correct location, damage or wear

bushings for wear
subframe for damage
bent or worn components
- Stabilizer bar link
- Left-hand rear suspension lower arm and bushing
- Right-hand rear suspension lower arm and bushing
- Rear wheel hub and rear drive half shaft

Road Test
A gear-driven unit will produce a certain amount of noise. Some noise is acceptable and may be audible at certain speeds
or under various driving conditions as on a newly paved blacktop road. The slight noise is in no way detrimental and must
be considered normal.

The road test and customer interview (if available) provide information needed to identify the condition and give direction
to the correct starting point for diagnosis.

1. 1. Make notes throughout the diagnosis routine. Make sure to write down even the smallest piece of information,
because it may turn out to be the most important.

2. 2. Do not touch anything until a road test and a thorough visual inspection of the vehicle have been carried out.
Leave the tire pressures and vehicle load just where they were when the condition was first observed. Adjusting
tire pressures, vehicle load or making other adjustments may reduce the conditions intensity to a point where it
cannot be identified clearly. It may also inject something new into the system, preventing correct diagnosis.

3. 3. Make a visual inspection as part of the preliminary diagnosis routine, writing down anything that does not look
right. Note tire pressures, but do not adjust them yet. Note leaking fluids, loose nuts and bolts, or bright spots
where components may be rubbing against each other. Check the luggage compartment for unusual loads.

4. 4. Road test the vehicle and define the condition by reproducing it several times during the road test.
 5. 5. Carry out the Road Test Quick Checks as soon as the condition is reproduced. This will identify the correct
diagnostic procedure. Carry out the Road Test Quick Checks more than once to verify they are providing a valid
result. Remember, the Road Test Quick Checks may not tell where the concern is, but they will tell where it is
not.

Road Test Quick Checks

1. 1. 24-80 km/h (15-50 miles/h): With light acceleration, a moaning noise is heard and possibly a vibration is felt in
the front floor pan. It is usually worse at a particular engine speed and at a particular throttle setting during
acceleration at that speed. It may also produce a moaning sound, depending on what component is causing it.
Refer to Tip-In Moan in the Symptom Chart.

2. 2. Acceleration/deceleration: W ith slow acceleration and deceleration, a shake is sometimes noticed in the steering
wheel/column, seats, front floor pan, front door trim panel or front end sheet metal. It is a low frequency
vibration (around 9-15 cycles per second). It may or may not be increased by applying brakes lightly. Refer to Idle
Boom/Shake/Vibration in the Symptom Chart.

3. 3. High speed: A vibration is felt in the front floor pan or seats with no visible shake, but with an accompanying
sound or rumble, buzz, hum, drone or booming noise. Coast with the clutch pedal depressed or shift control
selector lever in neutral and engine idling. If vibration is still evident, it may be related to wheels, tires, front
brake discs, wheel hubs or front wheel bearings. Refer to High Speed Shake in the Symptom Chart.

4. 4. Engine rpm sensitive: A vibration is felt whenever the engine reaches a particular rpm. It will disappear in
neutral coasts. The vibration can be duplicated by operating the engine at the problem rpm while the vehicle is
stationary. It can be caused by any component, from the accessory drive belt to the torque converter which turns
at engine speed when the vehicle is stopped. Refer to High Speed Shake in the Symptom Chart.

5. 5. Noise/vibration while turning: Clicking, popping, or grinding noises may be due to a worn, damaged, or
incorrectly installed front wheel bearing, rear drive half shaft or CV joint.

6. 6. Noise/vibration that is road speed relative: This noise/vibration can be diagnosed independent of engine speed
or gear selected (engine speed varies but torque and road speed remain constant). The cause may be a rear drive

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axle/differential whine.

Road Conditions
An experienced technician will always establish a route that will be used for all NVH diagnosis road tests. The road
selected should be reasonably smooth, level and free of undulations (unless a particular condition needs to be identified).
A smooth asphalt road that allows driving over a range of speeds is best. Gravel or bumpy roads are unsuitable because of
the additional road noise produced. Once the route is established and consistently used, the road noise variable is
eliminated from the test results.

• NOTE: Some concerns may be apparent only on smooth asphalt roads.

If a customer complains of a noise or vibration on a particular road and only on a particular road, the source of the concern
may be the road surface. If possible, try to test the vehicle on the same type of road.

Vehicle Preparation
Carry out a thorough visual inspection of the vehicle before carrying out the road test. Note anything which is unusual. Do
not repair or adjust any condition until the road test is carried out, unless the vehicle is inoperative or the condition could
pose a hazard to the technician.

After verifying the condition has been corrected, make sure all components removed have been installed.

Lift Test
After a road test, it is sometimes useful to do a similar test on a lift.

When carrying out the high-speed shake diagnosis or engine accessory vibration diagnosis on a lift, observe the following
precautions:

WARNING: If only one drive wheel is allowed to rotate, speed must be limited to 55 km/h (35 miles/h) indicated on
the speedometer since actual wheel speed will be twice that indicated on the speedometer. Speed exceeding 55 km/h (35
miles/h) or allowing the drive wheel to hang unsupported could result in tire disintegration, differential failure, constant
velocity joint and drive half shaft failure, which could cause serious personal injury and extensive vehicle damage. Failure
to follow these instructions may result in personal injury.

CAUTION: The suspension should not be allowed to hang free. W hen the CV joint is run at a very high angle, extra
vibration as well as damage to the seals and joints can occur.

The rear suspension lower arm should be supported as far outboard as possible. To bring the vehicle to its correct ride
height, the full weight of the vehicle should be supported in the rear by floor jacks. REFER to: (100-02 Jacking and Lifting)

Jacking (Description and Operation),

Lifting (Description and Operation).

1. 1. Raise and support the vehicle. REFER to: (100-02 Jacking and Lifting)

Jacking (Description and Operation),

Lifting (Description and Operation).

2. 2. Explore the speed range of interest using the Road Test Quick Checks as previously described.
 3. 3. Carry out a coast down in neutral. If the vehicle is free of vibration when operating at a steady indicated speed
and behaves very differently in drive and coast, a transmission concern is likely.

Note, however, that a test on the lift may produce different vibrations and noises than a road test because of the effect of
the lift. It is not unusual to find vibrations on the lift that were not found in the road test. If the condition found on the
road can be duplicated on the lift, carrying out experiments on the lift may save a great deal of time.

Exhaust Neutralization Procedure

1. 1. Raise vehicle on lift and slacken all exhaust fixings.

2. 2. With all fixings loose, neutralize the exhaust system.

3. 3. Tighten all fixings to correct torque, starting at the rear-most point working towards the front of the vehicle.

Symptom Chart

Symptom Possible Cause Action

High-speed shake Wheel end vibration GO to Pinpoint Test A.
Engine/transmission
Driveline

Tip-in moan Air cleaner GO to Pinpoint Test B.

Power steering
Powertrain
Engine mounts
Exhaust system

Idle boom/shake/vibration, or shudder Cable(s)/hoses(s) GO to Pinpoint Test C.

Intake air distribution and filtering system
Engine mounts

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Exhaust system
Belt/pulleys

W heel end vibration analysis Suspension/rear drive halfshaft and CV joints GO to Pinpoint Test D.
Tires/wheels
Wheel bearings
CV joint boots

Non-axle noise Trim/mouldings GO to Pinpoint Test E.

A/C system
Accessories

Pinpoint Tests
• NOTE: These Pinpoint Tests are designed to take the technician through a step-by-step diagnosis procedure to
determine the cause of a condition. It may not always be necessary to follow the chart to its conclusion. Carry out only the
Pinpoint Test steps necessary to correct the condition. Then check operation of the system to make sure the condition is
corrected.

After verifying that the condition has been corrected, make sure all components removed have been installed.

PINPOINT TEST A : HIGH-SPEED SHAKE

TEST DETAILS/RESULTS/ACTIONS
CONDITIONS
A1: NEUTRAL COAST
1 Carry out the neutral coast test.
Does the vibration disappear during the neutral coast test?
Yes
Check and install/re-balance wheels and tires and driveshaft. Check and install new
engine/transmission mounts as necessary. Repeat Road Test as outlined.
No
GO to D1.

PINPOINT TEST B : TIP-IN MOAN

TEST DETAILS/RESULTS/ACTIONS
CONDITIONS
B1: CHECK THE AIR CLEANER
1 Check the air cleaner.

Check the air cleaner, inlet tube, outlet tube, resonators and all other components associated
with the air induction system for correct installation and tightness of all connections.

Are the components OK?

Yes
GO to B2.
No
Correct the condition. Repeat the Road Test as outlined.
B2: CHECK THE EXHAUST SYSTEM
1 Carry out the exhaust system neutralizing procedure in this section.
 Is the exhaust system OK?
Yes
GO to B3.
No
Repair as necessary. Restore vehicle. Repeat the Road Test as outlined.
B3: CHECK THE POWER STEERING
1 Remove the auxiliary drive belt and test for tip-in moan.
Is the tip-in moan OK?
Yes
Repair the power steering as necessary. For additional information, refer to Section 211-00.
No
Check and install new engine/transmission mounts as necessary. Repeat Road Test as outlined.

PINPOINT TEST C : IDLE BOOM/SHAKE/VIBRATION/SHUDDER

TEST DETAILS/RESULTS/ACTIONS
CONDITIONS
C1: CHECK CABLE/HOSES
1 Check the engine compartment for any component that may be grounding between the engine and
body or chassis. Example: air conditioning (A/C) hoses.
Are the components OK?
Yes
GO to C2.
No
Correct the condition. Repeat the Road Test as outlined.
C2: CHECK THE COOLING RADIATOR
1 Check the engine cooling radiator mountings and bushings for security and condition. Check the
radiator installation for any component that may have a touch condition.
Are the installation and bushings OK?
Yes
GO to C3.

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No
Correct the condition. Repeat the Road Test as outlined.
C3: CHECK THE EXHAUST SYSTEM
1 Carry out the exhaust system neutralizing procedure in this section.
Is the exhaust system OK?
Yes
Check and install new engine/transmission mounts as necessary. Repeat Road Test as outlined.
No
Repair as necessary. Repeat Road Test.

PINPOINT TEST D : WHEEL END VIBRATION ANALYSIS

TEST CONDITIONS DETAILS/RESULTS/ACTIONS
D1: INSPECT THE TIRES
1 Inspect the tires.

Raise and support the vehicle. REFER to: (100-02 Jacking and Lifting)
Jacking (Description and Operation),
Lifting (Description and Operation).

Inspect the tires for:

Correct tire size

Tire/wheel compatibility

Wear or damage

Tire beads correctly seated

Are the tires OK?

Yes
GO to D2.
No
Inspect the wheels. For additional information, refer to Section 204-00.
D2: INSPECT WHEEL BEARINGS
1 Inspect the wheel bearings. For additional information, refer to Section 204-00.
Are the wheel bearings OK?
Yes
GO to D3.
No
Repair as necessary. Repeat the Road Test as outlined.
D3: INSPECT THE CONSTANT VELOCITY (CV) JOINT BOOTS
1 Inspect the CV joint boots.

Spin the rear tire by hand

Inspect for evidence of cracks, tears, splits or splattered grease

Are the CV joint boots OK?

Yes
GO to D4.
No
 Repair as necessary. Repeat the Road Test as outlined.
D4: INSPECT WHEEL AND TIRE RUNOUT
1 Inspect the wheel and tire runout.

Carry out the W heel and Tire Check procedure.

REFER to: W heels and Tires (204-04 W heels and Tires, Diagnosis and Testing).

Is the wheel and tire runout OK?

Yes
Balance the wheels and tires. Refer to the wheel balance equipment manufacturers instructions.
No
Repair as necessary.
REFER to: W heels and Tires (204-04 Wheels and Tires, Diagnosis and Testing).
Repeat the Road Test as outlined.

PINPOINT TEST E : NON-AXLE NOISE

TEST DETAILS/RESULTS/ACTIONS
CONDITIONS
E1: INSPECT VEHICLE TRIM
1 Check the grille and trim mouldings to see if they are the source of the noise.
Are the vehicle trim components causing the noise?
Yes
Install new trim or repair as necessary. For additional information, refer to Section 501-08.
No
GO to E2.
E2: CHECK THE A/C SYSTEM FOR NOISE
1 Check the A/C system components for noise by turning the A/C system on and off.
Is the A/C system causing the noise?
Yes
Diagnose the A/C system.

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REFER to: Climate Control System (412-00 Climate Control System - General Information,
Diagnosis and Testing).
No
GO to E3.
E3: CHECK NON-FACTORY ACCESSORIES
1 Inspect any accessories for being the source of the noise. Example: grounding body-to-frame,
antennas, visors, bug deflectors and fog lights?
Are the accessories the cause of the noise?
Yes
Adjust, repair or install new accessories or fasteners as required.
No
Verify the customer concern.
 Published: 11-May-2011
Noise, Vibration and Harshness - Exhaust System Neutralizing
General Procedures

1. Loosen the muffler inlet pipe and resonator pipe to exhaust

manifold fasteners at the flanges and the muffler inlet
connection.
2. Place a stand to support the muffler parallel to the vehicle
frame with the muffler pipe bracket free of stress.
3. Tighten the muffler connection.
4. Position the exhaust pipes to the manifolds and tighten. Make
sure that the catalytic converter and heat shield do not contact
the frame rails.
5. With the complete exhaust system tight (and cooled) the rear
hanger insulator should be angled forward, to allow the system
to expand rearward when heated during normal running

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