OK, so here it is. I bought a 99' TL with 120k about 3.5 months ago. After about 6 weeks I noticed a groaning whenever I turned, then about a week later I noticed a high pitched whining when I was accelerating. I kinda got used to both noises and figured I would take the car in to the dealer when I had the money (about a week from today). Well yesterday I decided to do some routine maintenance so I change the air filter with a K&N, then changed the spark plugs with NGK IX plugs. When I pulled the filter it was really dirty and the plugs were worn. So about an hour after changing those two items I went to dinner with my girlfriend. When I was pulling out of my driveway I noticed the steering wasn't groaning when I turned, I though cool it went away. Then after a few minutes and a more than a few stop lights I noticed the whining was gone. I thought what the hell? Maybe it was all just in my head. So I picked up my girlfriend, who by the way comments on the noises everytime she is in the car. She said "so you finally got your car fixed, huh?" I asked her why, she said "because it's not making those horrible noises anymore". I have no explanation why changing the air filter and spark plugs would get rid of these noises, but that's the only plausible explanation. Does anybody have any ideas? I'm not complaining by any means but I would like to know what would cause the noises in the first place.

 

beyond belief: fact or fiction?

lol , iono nothing but atleast its gone right? =p

 

Trust me I am just as confused as anyone. I talked to a friend, who's also a mechanic, and he said it just doesn't make sense. Your right, at least it's gone.

 

Really dirty air filter will make some noises as it tries to breathe
Spark plugs- maybe you were getting some detonaton and now its fixed
Can of seafoam is alway a good trick too!

My A/C- heater fan was making jet plane noises until the cabin air filter got changed too

 

Thanks for the info. I want to do seafoam, but from what I've read I have to change to spark plugs after and I just spent 40 on the NGK. Do the plugs really need to be replaced?

 

If you have new plugs you are fine with Seafoam anytime- only do the oil part right before an oil change

Its only an issue if you dont bother to do the high heat/speed burnoff of the gunk after the treatment. If you had really old plugs, then it could foul them
Since we all know to go do a 20 minute fun run with vtec useage its not a problem!
I did mine twice on plugs with 70 thou- no issue- no bad color or debris buildup on plugs when removed
then changed the plugs and ran another can in the gas for good practice
Have fun

 

Thank for the info. I think I'll do the seafoam today.

 

Thank for the info. I think I'll do the seafoam today.

 

Lots of good info about seafoaming your TL