2006 Vibe flutter noise, constant 25-55MPH

[campb292]

Here goes my sad attempt at describing a new noise:

I noticed driving today a fluttering tick tick tick noise noticeable between 25-55MPH seemingly from the front end. It is not a patterned rhythmic tick, it flutters sporadically perhaps 3-4 ticks a second. It doesn't sound like hard metal, more of a hard plastic or light metal type sound. The noise is not loud, just noticeable. If 1 was soft and 5 was loud it would be 2.

The noise continues if I take my foot off the accelerator. Turning overdrive off while rolling 45MPH does not change the noise... as in the downshift doesn't change the noise. If I moderately hit the accelerator going 40 it does not change the noise until I can't hear it.. which is usually over 50-55MPH. I tried angling slightly right slightly left and didn't notice any change in noise. I turned off the blower, no change.


Any ideas where to start with this one other than the shop?

176,000 miles btw and thanks in advance.

[Chiadog]

Check the condition of your front inner fender liners. I have seen several older Vibes with the front liners worn thru by fluttering into the spinning front wheels while the car is moving.

[campb292]

Thank you for that suggestion - really good considering the info I left out. I did bust some clips on the driver's side left liner on a cross-country trip a couple years ago. I have heard that lovely noise before and had to put a new one on that side. I always refer to that as the time the Vibe cannibalized herself in Nebraska.

Regardless, both checked and are secure unfortunately.. too bad because that would be an easy fix. I also crawled under there and poked around at all the plastic shields and all seem ok... they never were rock solid but other Vibes I have examined are pretty much the same.