I am hearing a frequent loud 'ping' while driving at highway speeds that sounds exactly like a small stone or BB hitting the rear side windows. I'd swear it sounds like being hit with a BB gun. It started with the cold weather and I'm wondering if it is related to temp changes in the chassis? Anyone experiencing the same thing? It seems to be equally divided between left anf right sides. Thanks.

09 SSM Sport auto - 3300 miles

 

Wow! Maybe the plastic and stuff around the outside of the doors/windows is loose somewhere? Take it to the dealer!

 

Maybe small stones held by the tire treads are coming loose at higher speeds and hitting the wheel wells?

 

^^^ yea i expiernce that. small rocks being thrown against the wheel well. not avoid-able unless taking another road. but theres not wrong with it either. that highway you take, is it paved smooth smooth or is there still some rocks on it?

 

Where exactly is the noise coming from?

 

Maybe it is BBs. Do you have any bumper stickers? Something contraversial, or offensive?

Sorry. I couldn't resist!

Sounds like bits of gravel stuck in the treads.

 

Sounds like something hitting the glass in the rear doors. My driveway is gravel so it could be stones being flung off the tires but since I assume the wheel wells have an undercoating the sound would be more muffled. The noise is the same as a small stone kicked up from the vehicle in front hitting the windshield. However in all cases no other vehicle is near on the divided highway. It is usually with in 5-10 miles of starting, about the time the heater has warmed up the interior. I hope it's not 'snap' from expansion in the chassis. Thanks.

 

check the license plate holder. screw it tight or just take it off. i had a similar type issue.

 

Sounds like your rear glass may not have been seated well. Possible.

While the car is stationary, take your fist and lightly hit the rear windows to see if you can replicate that sound...if something is loose, it'll immediately make itself known.

Rav4s had a similary problem where there was a cracking sound coming from the front window...turns out it was the front window hitting the fog vents under the dash due to improper grommets and gapping. It would be worst in cold weather and went away as the car warmed up.