Strange intermittent noise from front of car

[artist]

I have a 2008 Passion with 64,000 miles and two weeks ago it started to make a noise from the front of the car - sometimes. The noise sounds like a horn noise, but it's not as loud as my horn. Sometimes it does it a number of times in a 5 mile drive and sometimes it does not do it at all. Since my first month of ownership I've had no problems with my smart. Any thoughts?

[SmartDigger]

I would check the wire to the horn for a short.

[NCC1701]

There was a similar thread not long ago. Not sure anyone came up with a definite answer. Mine's a 2008 too. I'd be interested in knowing what it is.

[smark]

Front brake pads, are singing. They will make a faint noise, after a couple mile driving. They heat up, and start to sing. Like a weak horn, or cell phone noise. Just replace them. No more noise. If you want to test the issue. Drive the car on the highway around 60-70. When you hear the noise. Step on the brake. If the noise goes away. Its you pads singing.

[astuto]

I also have a strange noise up front. I first noticed it a few months ago, only when I was following close behind a truck at 60+. It would stop when I changed lanes. Then it would occur anytime I followed a car or truck close. Yesterday I heard it even when I wasn't following anything. It is the same noise my old Mirage would do when it needed oil. Yes, I've checked the oil and have recently had an oil change. It's sort of a knocking noise.

[deepblueQ]

Originally Posted by astuto

I also have a strange noise up front. I first noticed it a few months ago, only when I was following close behind a truck at 60+. It would stop when I changed lanes. Then it would occur anytime I followed a car or truck close. Yesterday I heard it even when I wasn't following anything.

I'd check for loose body panels. The first points I'd check are the clips at the bottom of the front panel (below the radiator) and the service flap (really easy to put the service flap in wrong).

It is the same noise my old Mirage would do when it needed oil. Yes, I've checked the oil and have recently had an oil change. It's sort of a knocking noise.

... you really need to check the oil more often if you know it's leaking like that... how long did that Mirage last... ?

[smark]

Change your brake pads!

[BB Benz]

Air turbulence when following other vehicles, even on a wind free day can cause the gas flap to clatter against the body. That noise can be difficult to track down. I thought for the longest time it was the cabrio top flapping.

[Kermit]

Originally Posted by NCC1701

There was a similar thread not long ago. Not sure anyone came up with a definite answer. Mine's a 2008 too. I'd be interested in knowing what it is.

The one you are thinking of..........this it?

HELP! Odd sound occurring. (sway bar end link)

[astuto]

... you really need to check the oil more often if you know it's leaking like that... how long did that Mirage last... ?[/QUOTE]

Had the mirage for 10 years and over 200,000 miles when I bought my 08 SMART. Kept it a few more years as a second car, but hardly used it so I sold it last year.