GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

I just recently purchased my Vibe, and today i rained for the first time since my purchase. There was a virtually constant noise coming from what seemed to be the rear wheel wells. It sounded like something solid banging back there every few seconds, one side or the other and sometimes both at the same time. Very loud. Anyone out there experience something similar, any fixes. Bad enough so that if I can't solve and fix, I might be forced to get rid of my 'new to me' cafr

First off, welcome.Second, describe the sound and what exactly is happening when the sound occurs. Are you going around a corner or straight?My first reaction would be there is something loose in the cargo area around the spare tire. I've never noticed a strange sound while driving in the rain.

The noise is a constant, recurring sound that varies from every 2 to evry 6 to 9 seconds depending on the intensity of the rain. The sound is exactly that of going through a large puddle at speed with the water cascading in the wheel well. There is nothing loose in the spare tire area. I'm simply driving down the street at posted ( or close to) posted speeds. There is no sound if just creeping along at a light. Stright or on a curve makes no difference.

welcome!Only in the rain makes me suspect the plastic inner wheel pieces. They are getting heavy with water and flapping on and off the tire.Take off the wheels and take a good look and see if they are broken or the fasteners may have fallen out. This is just a guess but worth a look.Dave

If the water's deep, then you are right on the money, water coming off the tires. If you're going fast enough through a deep enough puddle then you're hydroplaning, 80km/h is enough to do it as these base tires don't cut through water as good as the all-seasons on my Sunfire do.The standing water in the ruts of the driving lanes is deeper than it looks and water + dips and potholes make a lot of racket!

I heard more noise from the back when it was raining when I had my Vibe and I have the same "issue" with the Rogue. Many people on the Rogue forum complain of it too. Doesn't bother me anymore though.