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Originally Posted by Amj2020
Wow, took the Z out yesterday for the first time in rain (had no choice) and it sounded like I was in the damn shower. So loud when the ground is wet and its raining.
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Yep. Welcome to the club. The only plus side to this is since the OEM tires aren't exactly all season, the louder the water noise, the more you need to be cautious driving.
The main noise comes from the front area of the wheel well. I proved this the other week when washing it. I sprayed water with a hose all around the car; underneath, on the doors, on the rear fender, under the back, etc etc, then in the wheel wells themselves. When that spray of water hit the upper front section of the wheel well, it was like a huge twanging noise in comparison to all the other areas. There were other places that made noise where you could tell it was, well, thin sounding, or tin like. But the upper front of the wheel well is where it really sings loudly. And all this AFTER I've installed the Fatmat material, 2 layers to that area inside.
Like I've said before here, I think the next logical step would be to paint rubberized sound deadener paint (like the stuff Fatmat sells) to the wheel wells (on the outside of the car). This way when rocks and water hit, it's hitting a somewhat "bouncy" surface, not just straight up metal sheeting. You can put it on with a household paint roller, so a few coats should get a reasonable thickness to have some affect.
Right now I'm much better than before, so I'm not sure I'll ever do the paint. The pebble and water noises are still there, but they are lower in tone and not nearly as harsh or noticeable. Only time will tell, if i feel the need in the future.