Rubbing sound from wheels at highway speed

[Cara]

I noticed this shortly after I bought my '03 Vibe in October 2012. Our first road trip was in December -- returning from North Carolina on the freeway (first real freeway mileage) I noticed a weird "rubbing/hissing/swoosh!" sound whenever we hit a bump or I hit my brakes. My husband said he didn't hear it. The mechanic who saw it after that trip couldn't replicate it.

It doesn't ALWAYS happen on the highway but, when it happens, it's usually on the highway.

I've read a couple of things on this board, since, about shocks perhaps making a noise as they bounce, or the car being TOO low (I bought mine used -- how would I know?), and the wheels rubbing on the wheel wells.

Anything I need to worry about?

THANKS. This forum has saved my sanity a number of times, already...

[kumquat]

Stand at the front of the car and push it up and down. Do you hear the rubbing sound then?

[lannvouivre]

You can check the clearance from the bottom of the car to the ground to see if it's sagging (worn springs) too low. Stock height is 8", I believe. I don't think your car is going to be sagging too low if you can't eyeball it and tell right away. I'm lowered at least 2" all the way around, and I don't have problems. I'm guessing what's happening is that your fender liner has actually come loose and the winds at highway speeds are pushing it into your tire. I did have this issue in the past. You can buy replacement clips at AutoZone and any other auto parts store, You'll only need one that can fit snuggly into the holes, although one like the original would be best.

On top of kumquat's suggestion, you can turn the wheels side to side and then push up and down on the front to see if different positions work if straight-ahead doesn't.

[mesohungry]

I think lannvouivre nailed it.

I had a similar issue with a chrysler sebring a few years back.
That darn thing has the battery in the driver's fender well. My neighbor saw me jacking up the car and came over to help. He's a retired mechanic and said he'd take care of it for me. Shortly afterwards, I would hear some rubbing sounds at highway speeds.
Turns out it was missing a few body clips in that fender well area. The high winds were pushing the loose plastic towards the tire. The tire shredded a small portion of it by the time I figured it out. Popped in a few universal clips from a local auto parts store and the noise went away.

[Cara]

Thanks, folks.

Turns out (my husband remembered, though I didn't) that my mechanic actually DID point that out to me, when I took the car to him after first buying it. Interesting that even he didn't make the connection between the missing clips and the sound I reported, but I'm sure that's what it is.

Glad it's a simple fix!

Thank you again, everyone.