Ep3 , noise in the rain

[EVAN90]

Hey,

Car: Civic Type R EP3

As you know Sydney has had a fair bit of rain lately and I have notice a weird noise every time im driving in heavy rain or hit a big puddle.

I get a very strong vibration through the car every time heavy rain hits, its like the water is getting somewhere its not suppose to around the front end of the car.

at first I thought it was a guard rubbing against my wheel but that wasn't the case.

does anyone know what it could possibly be?

as I said it only ever happens in heavy rain and only lasts for about 10-15 secs at a time.

[Mikeyy168]

got an aftermarket exhaust system?

[EVAN90]

Yea, I have a mugen exhaust system. You thing there's water getting in through a crack or something?

[Mikeyy168]

Nah, not sure what it is but water makes it vibrate. Whoever installed your exhaust put it too close to the chassis. They need to move it out a little

[Poeter]

Common problem with EP3. This also occurs with OEM exhaust for some people.

This also affects JDM DC5

http://www.itr-dc5.com/forum/index.php?/topic/24312-loud-knocking-during-the-wet-only/?hl=%2Bexhaust+%2Brain

There are two things I personally suspect:

1.) Exhaust hanger dampening characteristics changes when cooled/wet
2.) Rear engine mount dampening characteristics changes when cooled/wet. Although it's not mounting the exhaust directly but note that when the engine moves or twist, the exhaust will move or twist accordingly too.

[dtrang]

repost from another similar thread

Ok guys I found the issue. Its the flex pipe in yhe stock headers. When it gets wet it loosens up and makes the cat back vibrate against the chassis. BTW my car doesnt stall just vibration and noise when theres heavy rain/standing water.

Got the car on a hoist and sprayed the flex pipe which made subtle symptoms as driving on the road with heavy rain. Mechanic also got in the car and revd the engine whilst another pushed the catback against the chassis and replicated the vibration and noise.

Catback has enough clearance however there is a slight dent in the chassis where the exhaust has been hit at the bottom.


Solution: get aftermarket headers. Dan at Garage 91 in SA said most of the dc5/ep3 they service has headers already and one guy who put headers on which had springs opted to take them out and weld it.

Hope that helps guys

Highly recommend garage 91 for anyone in SA.

[ricciardi80]

This is a common issue.

Basically the exhaust gets really hot and the cold water makes the metal contract quickly which causes the vibrations.
Mine feels like it does it under the seat, im not sure where it hits exactly, but im pretty sure the whole mid pipe is vibrating.

[LittleDragon^^]

I live in Darwin and we get torrential rain for several months a year. Luckily, I never experienced this with my stock exhaust.

[dtrang]

Upgraded to aftermarket headers and problem has gone away

[mryangtastic]

Always thought it was my RM01A. PLM header in the garage ready to be installed. :)