I do about 90% city driving so never really take my TL up to highway speeds. Today I took the long way home just to do a little spirited driving on the freeway and at about 80 mph I heard this weird rubbing sound coming from the rear driver side wheelwell; it's hard to describe but sounded like something was rubbing against the tire/rim. After I heard this noise I pulled over at a gas station and got out to inspect it and everything seemed normal except I *think* I smelled something from the general area (maybe like burning?), but I might have been imagining it. I've taken my car up to this speed before (like a few months ago when I first got the car) and did not experience this problem. The only thing I can think of that was done to the tire was that I had it plugged to cure a slow leak. Other than this, no suspension or alignment problems that I've noticed.

And also, I have this weird cricket-like chirping coming from the rear interior. I used to hear it around 45-50 mph and now only hear it 75 mph+. I've taken it to the dealer for the same problem before and they said they think they got it by putting sound dampening tape around the subwoofer grille and other places that seemed to be rubbing, but apparently they didn't really get it. Just wondering if anyone else has experienced this and if they have, how they fixed it.

I'll take it to the dealership if need be, but last couple times I took it in I got an Impala and a Stratus as my rental cars so, I'd rather not drop off my TL again

Thanks for any help you guys can offer!

 

The rubbing sound you hear is probably the rear brakes are letting you know it is time to replace them. They have wear indicators that cause them to make a "screeech" sound regardless of whether or not you're applying the brakes.

As for the chirping, my TL does that to and drives me nuts. I think it has to do with the sunroof because when it's closed up mine won't do it.

 

You may have a stuck caliper, especially if you suspect or smell a burning odor and hear some rubbing.

When this happens again, take a closer look and sniff. It'll be evident. Also, place your hand on the wheen center (where the lugs nuts go, in that general area). Notice if that wheel is warmer than the others. If its really bad, it'll let you know. Also note that the fronts will be slightly warmer than the rears since there is a bigger brake up there and an internal combustion engine pretty close by.

Wear indicators on brakes are audible when braking is applied. They are attached to the pad and move or retract with the pad. You may be hearing the indicator because the pad is constantly in contact with the rotor. It could've worn down to "squeeking level." And the indicator is a pronounced squeel, not a "weird rubbing sound" as you stated, so you might not have worn it down to the indicator level.

Also, there may be an issue with your parking brake since it actuates the rears. So keep that in mind.

As for the interior "chirping" - I cant really relate any experience to it. Mine is pretty quiet minus the squeek from the rear window in the morning as I pull out of my driveway.

 

Yeah, check the sunroof for the "chirps." Honda sunroofs are notorious for this. If you hear the chirps when the panel is open but the sunroof is closed, but you don't hear squeaks when the sunroof is open or vented, then that's likely your problem. Take it to the dealer and tell them your sunroof is squeaking. They'll put a strip of tape long the parameter to stop it. Got mine done while under warranty, but it should still be cheap (I wouldn't surprised if they were just nice and did it free) if you're out of warranty.

 

^ if that fails try some 303 on the weather stripping it may help...

 

attack of the scared crickets?---j/k ive heard some "chirping" from my sunroof so i got the wind deflecter for it 30$ never heard it since.........

 

my megan headers sound like crickets....dammit

 

I'll check the rear brakes and see if the pad is low or if the caliper looks stuck; both sound like they could be the cause.

As for the chirping sound, it doesn't really sound like it's coming from the sunroof, the noise sounds more like its coming from behind me instead of above me. Maybe like a seatbelt or something? Or from that area anyways. Not a big deal, just annoying.

 

maybe a cricket flew in the window and is stuck in the back window???- never know??

 

Still have the same problem I did a visual check of the rear brakes and they look okay, there is still some pad there and both calipers look fine. I noticed the sound only coming from the rear driver's side wheel, and after I got home I put my hands on the center of both rear rims and both were about the same temperature. Time to take it to the dealership yet again. Oh well, at least it's still under warranty