[TheFadingTheory]

Hello all, as I continue to work on and learn more about my new to me 08 I was wondering if everyone has the drone noise, or is it just me?

I know our cars make noises, but I'm not talking about creaks, etc. I have had those on most cars and those can be lived with, or addressed. I am talking about a deep exhaust type drone at around 30, or 40 mph. The drone is gone at fast speeds, and much lower speeds. Eventually I will upgrade the stereo and I will drown the drown out with music, but it does seem quite deep and loud as is. I have seen in car video on YouTube of my exact car and gear and I never hear a drone in the cars video.

Since I don't know anyone with a smart, let alone an 08 near me to compare sounds I figured I would check with you guys.

So is drone normal?
Should I not have a drone noise and
should check the exhaust?
Any ideas at all?

Thanks in advance.

 

[MB DNA]

Dunno how many miles your 451 has but a MY08 in snow/ice country may have a crack in the exhaust flex pipe? A good local muffler shop that does classic/hotrod custom exhausts could be your friend.

 

[TheFadingTheory]

191k

I will look under the car for any cracks in the exhaust, but I will also have a shop look too. Thanks for the suggestion.

Dunno how many miles your 451 has but a MY08 in snow/ice country may have a crack in the exhaust flex pipe? A good local muffler shop that does classic/hotrod custom exhausts could be your friend.

 

[MB DNA]

191k

May not be readily visible but if not the flex pipe can also be a broken exhaust flange on the cat back manifold.

Didn't answer your question - no 451 drone if the exhaust is jam up and jelly tight!

 

[jwight]

Please, do not operate drones in your smart......

 

[TheFadingTheory]

Ok- got it. Thanks.

May not be readily visible but if not the flex pipe can also be a broken exhaust flange on the cat back manifold.

Didn't answer your question - no 451 drone if the exhaust is jam up and jelly tight!

 

[misfitsailor]

Also, check to see if your exhaust is the original stock setup. Some aftermarket mufflers are known to drone. A properly sealed stock exhaust on the 451 does not drone.

 

[Miss Mercedes]

191k

I will look under the car for any cracks in the exhaust, but I will also have a shop look too. Thanks for the suggestion.

191k!!!!! Amazing how far these cars can go.

I also suspect a cracked flex pipe. Cracked/broken flex pipes aren't always readily visible, but they will cause a drone if they have a hole in them. The same can be said for the exhaust itself as well. As it ages it seems to get louder anyway.

 

[TheFadingTheory]

Ok- we will take a look to see what's doing under there. It may just me use to being in my daily driver E350. We will get it sorted out.

Thanks.

191k!!!!! Amazing how far these cars can go.

I also suspect a cracked flex pipe. Cracked/broken flex pipes aren't always readily visible, but they will cause a drone if they have a hole in them. The same can be said for the exhaust itself as well. As it ages it seems to get louder anyway.

 

[TheFadingTheory]

Will do. Thanks

Also, check to see if your exhaust is the original stock setup. Some aftermarket mufflers are known to drone. A properly sealed stock exhaust on the 451 does not drone.

 

[TheFadingTheory]

Yep, here she is...

191k!!!!! Amazing how far these cars can go.
I also suspect a cracked flex pipe. Cracked/broken flex pipes aren't always readily visible, but they will cause a drone if they have a hole in them. The same can be said for the exhaust itself as well. As it ages it seems to get louder anyway.

 

[kheran]

You will hear some what of a drone from the air inlet on the side of the car at certain speeds.

 

[Niteshooter]

Does the sound come and go depending on RPM or is it more dependent on speed? Just wondering if it could be the tires.

 

[TheFadingTheory]

More of an rpm thing, for sure not tires, because it's not that type of sound. Also I have 2 new tires on the front(1 week old) and the drone sound happened with the old tires. It is a deep/low sound that goes away the higher the rpm, but seems to be around 40mph, or so.

The sound is comming from rear and sounds like a muffler/exhaust kinda note. I'll try and make an audio file tomorrow.

Does the sound come and go depending on RPM or is it more dependent on speed? Just wondering if it could be the tires.

Please, do not operate drones in your smart......

lol. You gotta register those thing here so I'm good on making the smart a no drone zone!

You will hear some what of a drone from the air inlet on the side of the car at certain speeds.

Sounds like rear center, not side.

 

[jetfuel]

...welcome to the asylum...
...if the intake is not OEM they will make that sweet noise...
...also check to make sure the intake filter box is fully seated/engaged in the forward tabs...

Jetfuel....different drone...

 

[mrbadexample]

Please, do not operate drones in your smart......

they have new ones that follow you, not sure of their top speed, but i imagine they can tag along at 30-40mph

 

[mrbadexample]

i got tires and a high performance exhaust about the same time, i changed tires to a different brand/design a month ago, suddenly the car is quieter. now i can hear wind noise! i play the radio at 11 instead of 14 (smart model 10), the Kumho's i had for 6 years were the cause of all the noise, the exhaust is quite quiet and mellow. i have a solo first gen exhaust, no flex pipe, been holding up for 6 years/50K miles, i have the stock as a back-up if it ever goes.

 

[TheFadingTheory]

At some point today I am going to take a peak under the car to see if there is any obvious problem.

I will swing by a muffler shop to have them take a look too if I get the time, but I have quite a bit of running around to do today.

I know it's not a tire thing though, I really listened to it yesterday and it happens at lower RPMs like when you are going a bit to slow in a gear and should drop it down 1. As soon as my speed gets up, or I drop down a gear and the rpms are up it is gone. Highway speeds it sounds totally normal, just typical wind.

I'll update later today.

 

[Johannesl]

I don't get droning as much as lugging. Seems when I keep it in automatic at lower speeds it likes to go to 5th way too early and any pressure on the gas gets me that loud lugging of "I want higher RPMs!"


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[TheFadingTheory]

Yeah the drone sound is just a word that I used, it may be a different sound all together, but I don't know what else to call it. It's a deep sound that is kinda loud and unpleasant to the ear. It does not sound like a hole in, or broken muffler sound. I know that sound from firsthand experience and also searching YouTube vids. Totally different type of sound. Who knows, like someone mentioned prior, I may not have a stock exhaust and the sound may be a intentional gift with the setup.

We may be talking about the same sound, but I don't know the "lugging" sound you speak of.

I can't wait to let you guys know what it is.

I don't get droning as much as lugging. Seems when I keep it in automatic at lower speeds it likes to go to 5th way too early and any pressure on the gas gets me that loud lugging of "I want higher RPMs!"


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