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Cadillac Repair/wind noise 2009 cadillac cts

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Expert: - 4/3/2009


Question
I recently installed an aftermarket stainless window post trim package on my 09 cts.They are the type which attach with 3m adheasive.I've noticed a wind noise on the driver's side window towards the top near the post.I don't recall if it was there prior to the trim installation.But I'm fearful of any door adjustments being done on a brand new car.Is it possible I've caused this problem?And might I correct it by applying some silicone where the top edge of the trim meets the door line?Removing the trim would result in destroying them and also would expose the door frame to outward pressure,possibly creating a new air problem.Passenger side has no issues with same trim.Thank You for you're time.

Answer
Hello,

This noise is probably from the after market accessory. You need to realize that by installing these items even though it ehances the appearance, that detrimental things can happen. The vehicle was designed a certain way, but by this installation you have alterered it's dynamics.

You may not have the same problem on the passenger side because the driver's side piece may be a little different. You may not be able to notice that difference visually. 1/64 of an inch can make quite a bit of difference when rolling down the road at 50mph.

You may have a very small opening catching the wind and you may be able to seal it with clear silicone.

Remember when trucks had CB antennas mounted to the mirrors? Looked kind of cool, but in reality created a lot of noise. So much so that one could not hear the stereo at highway speeds with the window rolled down.

Today's cars are aerodymamically balanced to get the best fuel economy, have the least wind resistance and by installing these after market products there is commonly a price to pay. In your case, the car looks good, but has wind noise.

As I stated before, try to seal as best as possible. The problem though may be coming from the fact that the piece is setting past the door and any adjustments you make on the door may not be adequate. There is also a good chance that the dealer will not look at this as a warranty repair and could get costly to be fixed if it can be fixed with the after market pieces installed.


Good Luck!

Rob

Cadillac Repair

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Rob Painter

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Alarm system questions cannot be answered on this forum. These systems are not what I can answer. Without being physically at the vehicle and not knowing what kind of electrical service has been done on the vehicle, there is no possible way to give an accurate answer over the internet. My expertise is in Ignition/key based anti-theft systems. These issues include GM VATS (resistor chip in key blade) PASSLOCK (MRD)-ignition lock rotation based, no special ignition key and the PKIII Transponder (computer chip in key) systems. These systems are not alarm based and are integral with the starting of the engine. This is why I cannot diagnose alarm problems without physically looking at the vehicle: Alarm systems are a completely different annimal than ignition key/lock based anti-theft system. Many alarm questions come from vehicles 10 years old, and since older, many hands that had been involved over the years.I am an expert in all GM factory (ignition/key based)systems. Alarm system questions pose to many situations beyond my knowledge as to what has been done to the vehicle over the years. Some guy may have actually wired the stereo into the alarm system. Who knows? Over my past 30 years in vehicle wiring repair, I have seen unbelievable wiring disaters done by guys that consider themselves "mechanics." I have seen stereos and alarms intalled using surgical tape. I have seen modules burn up, un-fused circuits, wiring jambed between the doors and even lamp cord used for a starter kill. To answer alarm questions over the internet without examining the vehicle is like asking; What does it take to remove a dent?

Experience

Education/Credentials-ASE certified. 11 years with a GM dealer and 17 years with a repair facility dealing with only the repair of theft recovered vehicles.

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