I just picked up my fully loaded XTerra SE two weeks ago. I am LOVING IT! Question: when I have my back windows down, there is a horrible noise coming from somewhere when I drive over 40 mph. Anyone else experience this?

If you have only the rear windows down and the noise is a low rumble, then that's normal - it's just the resonance of the air rushing through.

Now drive with all 4 windows down at about 30 mph and listen to the portion of the seatbelt over your shoulder flutter. Heh.

[This message has been edited by kirby34 (edited October 24, 2000).]

You'll need to be a little more specific on the type of noise. I've seen several posts about a rear diff whine.

'Some people claim there's a woman to blame....'

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'01 Silver Ice SE

Someone dubbed that sound the "helicopter" sound. I wasn't able to describe it until then. Yeah, it's the same principle as blowing across the top of a bottle and getting that hum/tone, just resonance. Nothing to worry about, and rolling down the front windows a little makes it go away.

Brent

Hi All! Thanks for the replies! Offroad, yes, it is a helicopter sound, and it does go away when the front windows are down. What makes the noise? My back seat drivers don't hear it.

Northern X, I don't think it's a rear differential issue. By the way, Silver Ice is a stunning color!

Thanks again, all! I'm glad I found the site!!

It's called and caused by "wind buffeting." The air enters the vehicle but cannot as easily escape, so the air "rebounds" against the incoming air to equalize the pressure. This back and forth causes the "helicopter sound." By opening the front windows, you have more means of the air escaping and the pressure equalizing.

That's my take on it, anyway.