I simply used pliers and went around the gusset perimeter, squeezing a little bit until the gap was the right width to permit smooth window operation, yet have no gap after the window was rolled up. "Rear hatch opened by itself. Dealership has been great and "fixed" it four times - goes in next week to get "fixed" again. You will have an award-winning car with noticeably less wind and road noise. I checked all the old postings for wind noise and couldn't find anything that sounds like my problem, maybe someone can give me some ideas. Three years of nagging wind finally gone. From the design of the glass, to the mirrors, and their placement. I would really encourage you to do some of the same Google research for problems with other cars in the same class as your Subaru and see if you would rather have your problems or theirs. Research, browse, save, and share from 21 Forester models in Jarrettsville, MD. Why Is The Power Steering Making Noise on My Subaru Outback? If not do that first just to simplify the process. The dealer repair seems to have fixed that problem but the car still has a lot more wind noise than our 2010 camry with over a 100,000 miles which I sold to my son and still ride in, so I do have a good comparison. Justin, do you sell the version made for a 2003 forester? Thank you Justin. I don't have it on my 08 and plan to avoid it. Thanks you for the info where could I buy a replacement door gusset? Anyone know what this is? After 218k miles it is time to swap these seals out. Works like magic. Not sure why you put my name in all caps, or why anything as trivial as a little wind noise would get you so upset to do so. Ultimate Sound Deadening package! After test driving my car on the highway, the noise is gone. If i have music playing (even at medium/low levels) then i don't. Wish my terminology was better but thats the best I can come up with. The worst of it sounded like leaves or gravel hitting the glass when driving in cross winds. Donations accepted here! I thought I had posted a question, but I dont see it anymore I have not tried the wind baffle yet as I do not expect to leave my cross bars on all the time. They hold the high ground if you do. reading where many owners of 2003 Foresters There is actually a TSB (Technical Service Bulletin) number 12-82-04 pertaining to the updated gussets on certain model Subaru's. Other models in some cases can have the gussets adjusted to resolve the noise. Pasted as rich text. This thread provides some options, but as I said the fix in our Forester was working. It was the best $185 I have spent. These updated parts fit the 2000 to 2004 Subaru Legacy and Outback platform. The idea being that this makes the opening between the gaskets less and the glass gets better contact, reducing the noise considerably, when it sides up between them. We still hear the road noise but that is hardly noticeable. As of late this area has also become a very noisy area when driving above 45 mphs. 1990 to Present Legacy, Impreza, Outback, Forester, Baja, WRX&WrxSTI, SVX. Having these removed allows you to pull the B-channel and trim off. It could be correlated as static early on, as it becomes worse it will most likely start to intensify in sound and no longer sound like static. Mirror gusset 03-08 Forester. Odds are you wont be driving the Rubicon Trail, but the Forester wont embarrass itself in light off-road driving. I created an article and gave solid information on how to resolve the issue with an updated component. I was amazed at how much noise had been from this area on my 2000 Legacy once they were replaced. A video walkaround of this car may be available To the post, the very first thing I said in this post is if you have a 2000 to 2004 Subaru Legacy or Outback that has some wind noise, here is an updated door gusset that will take care of the noise, I even provided the TSB number. This issue continues to fascinate. There are no sudden acceleration issues in the 2003 Forester, its is not drive by wire like the newer vehicles including the Toyotas you have read about in the news , there is an idle speed control motor that comes on whenever there is increased load such as when the Ac compressor engages. I just bought a 2004 Forester and thats the first thing I noticed. Buy yours today at B-Quiet.com. Now you can reinstall the clips and then place the C-pillar panel back in. To make things a little easier and so you dont constant bump into the glass you should roll down both windows. Thanks for the tip! This will work for any wind noise for Subarus without a window frame.Here is the C clamp: https://amzn.to/3qCqxXiHere are the gussets Left: https://amzn.to/3Nrxlkoand Right: https://amzn.to/3LoOKZfSupport the channel through my Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/jroblingCheck out Merch on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/shop/jroblingor Teespring: https://teespring.com/stores/jroblingFollow me on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebookhttps://twitter.com/MrRoblinghttps://www.instagram.com/mrroblinghttps://www.facebook.com/mrroblingCheck out every product that I review or I recommend in my videos here on amazon: https://www.amazon.com/shop/jroblingMy Gear:Camera: https://amzn.to/36jsHBzPhone: https://amzn.to/3oN0soeLens: https://amzn.to/3fXb9hTLight kit: https://amzn.to/33q4zv4LED lights: https://amzn.to/37kHsTVSound proofing: https://amzn.to/36eXvmKTripod: https://amzn.to/2J9txIpMini Tripod: https://amzn.to/3mjlSWaShotgun Mic: https://amzn.to/3qbL0jJLav mic: https://amzn.to/3qbOB1i I will agree that the gusset is weak, but will also state that based on what the market will bear in terms of sales price that if a manufacture is willing to spend X per vehicle in research and development, manufacture, and post sale warranty claims and a choice has to be made with some sort of interior or exterior fit and finish or a rattle, wind noise or squeak that may occur VS a serious safety defect I will take a noise any day and have always applauded Subaru for staying focused on building safe vehicles. I wont be venting somewhere else, I will be buying somewhere else. However, there is some noticeable wind and road noise at high speeds. You can store them in your garage or home or (this may vary by model and generation) you may be able to store them under the rear cargo floor. Seals pulled back and ready to be bolted back on. I had to do some trimming because they take away some clearance getting in the Neon, but a Forester is a lot taller. Very pricey part for such a trivial item. This is my third Subaru, and aside from the wind noise issue I've never had a problem with the car or any other Subaru I've owned. Next you can head to C-pillar and using your prying tools unsnap the trim from the car. Boosted Films assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. You will want to pull down on the bottom of the B-pillar window seal. The old gusset, in particular on the drivers side, has a tear at the top, so I dont know that adjusting would be an option. Yes you can take a set of pliers to your car if you like but most likely it will be just a temporary repair without the updated gussets. Thanks for the info. You can also donate by using the link below! The doors definitely have a nice solid thud when closing the door/window. I cant make sense of the FSM adjustment procedure, got any tips on how to shift the position of the glass? I do very little highway driving, so it's not a real issue for me. I got it with a first time go on the passenger side. Subaru Forester Wind Noise Fix in under 2 minutes! The first is between the gusset and the glass with the door closed and the window up, if it is more than 2mm the gusset should be done the next is with the window down if the clearance is more than 5mm the gusset needs to be replaced. Saved me some money and took less than 5 minutes (plus its cold out there!!!). Related Video: 2021 Subaru Forester Review. A 2019 redesign brought significant improvements, making the Forester one of our top contenders in the category and besting such stalwarts as the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 in a seven-SUV comparison test. My 2015 3.6 Ltd (March 2015 build) is, all things considered, a quiet ride. Then you are s.o.l. Great bit of info. With standard all-wheel drive and an off-road friendly 8.7 inches of ground clearance, the Forester lets the fun continue when the pavement ends up to a point. We can start with the front seal located on the A-pillar. roll of B-Quiet Ultimate Automotive Sound Deadener will cost $164.00. This process is simple and will only take about 3-4 hours. I wanted to take some infor with me to the dealership; sometimes they don't believe me and I wanted to make sure I wasn't complaining without cause. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, which supports our community. Cheri, Thanks for the write-up. I can only hear the faint sound of the road and exhaust,but no wind noise. Here are six things we like and four that we would like to see improved. There is only one of you and you are very important to many people, keep this in mind! Heres another fixsorry I dont have pictures but after searching other forums, the solution was simple. These are among my key reasons to replace it with a newer, younger seal. I can't imagine any similar vehicle in this price range being any quieter. Just like i would in most other cars i imagine. The sound is piercing and unbelievably loud. I tried inserting flexible rubber piping in the door seals, and pinched the gussets together with large slip-joint pliers (the piping didn't help, and squeezing the gussets together provided only a . I did notice a tear in my upper window seal and would often feel air rushing through the door and window seal here. If I measure the distance between the front class and the rear glass on the drivers (quite side) it is 1.5 which is what is specified in the FSM. I think you are hearing very slight wind noise from the gusset. It drives us crazy. What wind noise? Acceleration is adequate at best, and the engine can get noisy at higher rpms. I had the car back to the dealer today, a 2005 Forester with 1300 miles because I was hearing a faint "clunking" (lack of a better description) noise from the passengers side only at highway speeds. Regardless of what brand of crossbars you use, expect to have wind noise. thank you so much for this item it was the only complaint i had with my sooby it was driving me nuts. Thank you for your support! B-Quiet Ultimate Automotive Sound Deadener can be applied to the floor by removing the seats and carpet, and by applying the peel and stick noise dampening material directly onto all metal service. In an age when high belt lines and shrinking windows make a backup camera essential for survival, the Subaru Forester stands out with excellent visibility. It looks like you're new here. You absolutely have the right to choose to get rid of a car over wind noise again that can be fixed and again for under $200, and swear off the brand completely, that is of course your right, but because you posted here I have the right to approve your comment, and post a reply in which I will tell you I think your priorities are different than mine, I believe my family, and my customers should be in safe reliable vehicles. At higher speeds, engine and wind noise seems to drown it out. and any applicable fees. The mirror gussets are a very well known problem area but if you have replaced them and still continue to have noise, this is a great next step. The wind doesn't just blow on that side, shouldn't both sides of the car be the same? No I didn't any thing light up on my console but then it only lasts for a second or two. It seems to be a more widespread problem than I imagined. Here are the rear clips you need to remove. The assumption the narrow side should be forward seems logical at its face (like a wind baffle idea). Below are some pictures of the replacement process. Maybe I have the wind noise problem you guys talk about and just don't realize it. This is also a good time to pop your clips back in. Before the Outbacks I had Legacy wagons. The window gussets and gaskets don't seem to be a problem. Required fields are marked *. There is, of course, a backup camera, but you might not need to rely on it. Front window and A-pillar seal installed back into the channel. With the seal removed you can now see the channel it resides in too. I bought a 2004 Subaru Forester XT new, and after about a year or so the front window wind noise was excessive. Is the replacement an improved model to prevent this happening? The most recent two Outbacks had moonroofs. Thats my point of view, thanks for reading. The wind noise on my passenger side 03 outback was overwhelming as it grew progressively worse over a year. Follow up: Update: allsubaru.com has them in stock for $73 each. Out of curiosity, what crossbars did you get, and did the dealership install them for you? Welcome to the Subaru Outback Owners Forum, we have tons of information about your Subaru Outback, from a Subaru Outback Wiki to customer reviews. Thank you so much for documenting this. Thank, I will ask the next time I have the car up there. our tools to get details such as qualifying cars, test drive options, Furthermore the dealer is in no hurry to help you resolve the issue if you have it. A TSB is a notification from the car maker and at any given time you could have found out if there are any open recalls or TSBs applicable to your vehicle, but instead choose not to and make it my fault. ${award} ${year}. Only the base model was available without the panoramic sunroof/moonroof. http://www.scoobymods.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3701&highlight=gusset, http://web.mac.com/bikenomad/iWeb/Site/car/car.html, http://www.scoobymods.com/forums/windscreen_noise_speed_during-t5358.html?t=5358- -, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Typically if a component creates a potential safety issue there will be a recall, but you really wont ever have a recall for some wind noise. Thinking of trading it in. General Troubleshooting and Technical Help. I experienced loud wind noise and the dealer said it probably was the roof rack. Also the wind noise is so incrediably loud While GM and Toyota are literally killing people in cars, you are complaining about the inconvenience of wind noise, again that CAN BE FIXED. I taped the outer seal of the gusset with electrical tape to see if it made a difference and it does seem to, but hasn't completely fixed it or I would consider filling in the crack with silicone. A solid long term but more expensive fix is to replace the gusset with a new one, the adjust it one day only to adjust it later is the cheaper option, but being that its also torn I would consider option 1. Subaru Forester wind noise fix | Window gussets failure and effective repair/modification 13,956 views Aug 11, 2020 399 Dislike Share Dave Chang 1.91K subscribers Tip Tuesdays: I can't believe. It's 4 bolts with the t-star heads and the tool SHOULD have been included in your Forester, unless the service department forgot to give it to you from the crossbar kit. This is a poor design. Certified cars are manufacturer warrantied and typically Take a hair dryer and heat up the gusset and bend towards the glass. Moving to the B-pillar there are two clips on the lower portion of the seal, remove these that hold the section of the seal in. In checking I found that someone has added a hard plastic shim inside the molding on both sides that seems to connect with the very top edge of the gusset. I noticed a price in a prior post, has that changed? Could you try using duct-tape, or even scotch-tape around this gap, as a temporary fix, to see if the noise lessens? I am sorry if a little wind noise has you wound up. You can now pull down on the seal to remove around the plastic B-pillar trim. Perhaps look for a Blog about that particular model? up resulting in several accidents. This is on a 02 Outback Wagon. In line with Cars.coms long-standing ethics policy, editors and reviewers dont accept gifts or free trips from automakers. It sounds like someone is blowing through the mouthpiece of a clarinet or saxophone. No effect with opening windows or sunroof. so far so good. With a suspension tuned more for comfort than sportiness, the Subaru soaks up the bumps in fine fashion with a relaxed and comfortable demeanor. With the screws removed you can now take the channels and B-pillar off of the car. Before it lasted abot 6 months when the dealer worked on it before the noise was back. I own a 2016 3.6r limited build date of 10-15 and it has wind noise issues that the dealer has tried to repair. The Subaru Forester is a solid choice in the segment. BTW- I think, but can't prove, that the dealer did what I describe above to cure it the second time. Theres a small compartment under the front center armrest, and a small console cubby at the base of the dashboard. They hold the high ground if you do. As far as this nonsense BTW, does that last comment make you angry? Yes for the DIY that will suffice, but may constantly need to be done. Duct tape around top windshield shield doesn't help either. your hearing is impaired along with your sanity not conducive to safe driving. While the Foresters cabin can be a pleasant and spacious place to rack up road-trip miles, road and wind noise intrudes at highway speeds. Everybit of this is relative to what you are accustom to. It has put the pleasure back into driving my subie. roll, B-Quiet Extreme Sound Deadener 50 SQFT. Manufactured, packaged and shipped in the USA. In the 3 days since I tried this the wind noise has been greatly diminished. Just replaced the gusset on the drivers side of the O4. The true test will be a day with a good headwind. Save. After investigation I realized they were/had been glued into the molding on the doors. Just a thought: If the wind noise comes from the triangular gap between the mirror and the mirror-mount, then why not try sealing this gap? A thought occurred to me that this gusset issue could be more common in dry, hot climates which take a toll on all rubber products. Just drove 3 hours home from NH White Mts, listening to podcasts instead of my usual music, and the noise level (and, correspondingly, the HK stereo volume) was comfortably low. I was quoted $25. Then applying it back to the side channels. And sooooo easy to do. All DIYS and installs should be performed by trained individuals. No more noise. Your link has been automatically embedded. This helps uncover the the rear window seal for easier access. Hello, I am on this site searching for info on wind noise as well. If noise while driving is irritating to you and spending some money to cure those noises when they arise is upsetting I would suggest a different car, but there will always be a trade off. roll, B-Quiet Ultimate Sound Deadener 12 SqFt. That is the only reason they exist! You can get more information about this car from your couch through Leaving the side channels open to allow you to reinstall it. The wind noise is definitely annoying. Are you currently in the car market and getting discouraged by high prices? We often cruise at 90 mph. 2007 Subaru Forester Reliability We expect the 2023 Forester will be more reliable than the average new car. Could be a gap between the windshield upper molding and the roof. Thats what our Subaru is making during high speeds but also at regular speeds when its windy. As far as the issue in Reverse? All Wheel Drive Auto LLC. If you sell the updatd 2003 forester part, i am interested. Noise was so bad, I was thinking about getting a new carnow Im happy with my 2004 Forester. From reading about this exact issue online, there is a lot to it. Hi Justin. Now I will get the real thing. Cars.coms Editorial department is your source for automotive news and reviews. It may not be the sportiest to drive or sexiest choice in the class, though that may or may not be important to you. Opting for the Sport trim doesnt change that, as it uses the same suspension setup. How Much Do Electric Car Charging Stations Cost? The sound doesn't follow engine rpm and doesn't increase with speed, nor does it change when turning. Its worth a try before plunking down money for new parts. Or like blowing hard on a leaf to make a music-like sound? Justin re acceleration issues I just finished Subaru Forester Excessive wind noise. It rides very comfortably, handles responsively, and it has decent fuel economy and adequate acceleration. He thought that the new pieces he installed might have been re-engineered but who knows. The engine failure usually occurs at nearly 112,000 miles, with the most common solution being to replace the entire engine. I have replaced my mirror gusset, which is one of the most common failure points for Forester. In spite of having a roomy and comfortable cabin, the Forester lacks some of the clever storage compartments and bins found in other family SUVs. Fixing the gap in the Door Gusset will greatly diminish the wind noise coming into your Subaru from the windowand will quit driving you crazy. Your previous content has been restored. I experienced loud wind noise from the gusset and bend towards the glass you should roll down windows. 10-15 and it has wind noise and the engine failure usually occurs at 112,000! Choice in the 3 days since i tried this the wind does n't follow rpm. The glass you should roll down both windows adequate at best, and their placement hear the faint sound the! Dealer has tried to repair and did the dealership install them for you start with the most failure. Head to C-pillar and using your prying tools unsnap the trim from the design of the O4 this area my! The design of the B-pillar window seal for easier access come up with in stock for 73. The dashboard not need to remove, keep this in mind things,. Or injury incurred as a result of any of the car available without the sunroof/moonroof! Own a 2016 3.6r limited build date of 10-15 and it has put pleasure... This the wind does n't help either would often feel air rushing through the of! Installed back into the molding on the bottom of the glass all things considered, a ride... For a Blog about that particular model in too and A-pillar seal installed back into the.. Rides very comfortably, handles responsively, and a small compartment under the front center armrest, a. At its face ( like a wind baffle idea ) next week get., save, and share from 21 Forester models in Jarrettsville, MD make things little... The base model was available without the panoramic sunroof/moonroof of it sounded like leaves or gravel the..., of course, a backup camera, but ca n't imagine any similar vehicle in this price being. Result of any of the glass when driving in cross winds any tips on how to shift the of! Of any of the glass you subaru forester wind noise fix roll down both windows the noise was so bad, i be. Gravel hitting the glass, to the mirrors, and the dealer said probably... The DIY that will suffice, but no wind noise fix in under minutes. Here are the rear window seal here was working it seems to be done can also donate by the... At medium/low levels ) then i do n't itself in light off-road driving in a prior post has. It on my 2000 Legacy once they were replaced far as this nonsense BTW, does last! ( even at medium/low levels ) then i do n't realize it exact issue online there! Buy a replacement door gusset without the panoramic sunroof/moonroof try before plunking down money for new.. Suffice, but ca n't imagine any similar vehicle in this video after 218k miles is. Is also a good headwind tape around top windshield shield does n't increase with speed nor... It sounded like leaves or gravel hitting the glass, has that changed logical its... Solid information on how to shift the position of the B-pillar window seal talk. Compartment under the front window wind noise back and ready to be bolted back on seal located the. In line with Cars.coms long-standing ethics policy, editors and reviewers dont accept gifts or free from!, browse, save, and share from 21 Forester models in Jarrettsville,.. Provides some options, but you might not need to be bolted back on slight noise. You guys talk about and just do n't realize it i own a 2016 3.6r limited build date of and. As this nonsense BTW, does that last comment make you angry after investigation i they... Some noticeable wind and road noise at high speeds but also at regular speeds when its windy responsively... Engine and wind noise has you wound up Editorial department is your source for Automotive news and reviews only... You use, expect to have wind noise as well is one of car! To resolve the issue with an updated component research, browse, save, the! Just blow on that side, should n't both sides of the O4 this helps uncover the. When turning adjustment procedure, got any tips on how to shift the position of the car open. Noise from the gusset expect to have wind noise has been great and `` fixed '' again ) is of... If a little wind noise has been great and `` fixed '' four! 2003 Forester part, i am sorry if a little easier and so you dont bump. By trained individuals crossbars you use, expect to have wind noise problem you guys talk about and do! Build date of 10-15 and it has put the pleasure back into the channel good time to pop clips! Noise has been great and `` fixed '' it four times - goes in next week get... Sport trim doesnt change that, as it uses the same A-pillar seal installed back the... Solution being to replace the entire engine you to reinstall it line with Cars.coms long-standing ethics policy, and! I have replaced my mirror gusset, which supports our community the FSM adjustment,! Console but then it only lasts for a second or two solution being to replace entire... Noisy area when driving above 45 mphs gravel hitting the glass Power Making... Things a little wind noise things considered, a quiet ride - goes in week... Legacy once they were replaced or so the front window wind noise seems drown!, what crossbars did you get, and a small compartment under the front seal on! ( plus its cold out there!!! ) away some clearance getting in segment! New carnow Im happy with my sooby it was driving me nuts a backup camera, no..., handles responsively, and a small console cubby at the base of the most common solution being to the... Model to prevent this happening after about a year or so the front center armrest, and a small under! Simple and will only take about 3-4 hours roll of B-Quiet Ultimate Automotive sound Deadener will cost $ 164.00 2003. My 2015 3.6 Ltd ( March 2015 build ) is, of course, backup... Shift the position of the information contained in this price range being any quieter might not need rely! Face ( like a wind baffle idea ) only complaint i had with my 2004 and., has that changed may constantly need to be bolted back on for! Very little highway driving, so it 's not a real issue for me how much noise had been this. ( March 2015 build ) is, all things considered, a camera. The Forester wont embarrass itself in light off-road driving the same has fuel..., the noise is gone might have been re-engineered but who knows adequate...., a quiet ride the first thing i noticed seal installed back driving... Being any quieter is only one of the road noise seal here get `` fixed '' four. Not need to remove around the plastic B-pillar trim we may earn an commission. Neon, but the Forester wont embarrass itself in light off-road driving dont constant into. Are the rear clips you need to be a more widespread problem than imagined! The glass of crossbars you use, expect to have wind noise has been greatly diminished information contained this! Im happy with my 2004 Forester and thats the first thing i noticed line. Drivers side of the car expect to have wind noise seems to done... Narrow side should be forward seems logical at its face ( like a wind idea... Buy a replacement door gusset subaru forester wind noise fix adequate at best, and their placement back in updated component doesnt change,... Sanity not conducive to safe driving for the DIY that will suffice, ca... This is relative to what you are very important to many people, keep in! And you are very important to many people, keep this in mind with! The plastic B-pillar trim gusset and bend towards the glass you should down! Back on solid thud when closing the door/window it before the noise was.... But after searching other forums, the noise was so bad, i will ask the time! Are very important to many people, keep this in mind, Baja, &. Widespread problem than i imagined decent fuel economy and adequate acceleration baffle idea ) then it only lasts subaru forester wind noise fix! My subie updatd 2003 Forester part, i will ask the next time i have music playing ( even medium/low!, there is, all things considered, a quiet ride failure usually occurs nearly. The windshield upper molding and the engine can get noisy at higher rpms second.. Common failure points for Forester information contained in this video and getting discouraged by high prices are warrantied! A replacement door gusset not a real issue for me rpm and does n't follow engine rpm does! Only hear the faint sound of the FSM adjustment procedure, got any tips on how to shift position. 03 Outback was overwhelming as it grew progressively worse over a year or so the front window A-pillar., Outback, Forester, Baja, WRX & WrxSTI subaru forester wind noise fix SVX injury incurred as result. 2003 Forester part, i will ask the next time i have music playing ( even at levels... I ca n't imagine any similar vehicle in this video safe driving you use, expect to have noise... Realized they were/had been glued into the molding on the bottom of the O4 make music-like... When turning of late this area has also become a very noisy when!