Mudflaps too long?

Prospectors

I have a 2011 passat which makes very noticeable "rubbing" noises when I go over bumps at speed. Not speed bumps, just crests and troughs that you find on secondary roads.

The noise nearly always comes from the front and I'm convinced it's either the mudflaps hitting the road or the tyres are rubbing the wheel arches. It happens both on straights and bends.

I have measured the distance between Road and flaps, it is less than 3 inches which seems little.
Also for info, the tyres are 235/45R17.

Any thoughts? (before I try cutting an inch off the mudflaps)

martyc5674

Prospectors wrote: »

I have a 2011 passat which makes very noticeable "rubbing" noises when I go over bumps at speed. Not speed bumps, just crests and troughs that you find on secondary roads.

The noise nearly always comes from the front and I'm convinced it's either the mudflaps hitting the road or the tyres are rubbing the wheel arches. It happens both on straights and bends.

I have measured the distance between Road and flaps, it is less than 3 inches which seems little.
Also for info, the tyres are 235/45R17.

Any thoughts? (before I try cutting an inch off the mudflaps)

Before irreversibly chopping them get some strong tape and stick some card behind them.. let the card drop 2 or 3 mm lower than the flap, ho for a spin and see if the card is getting shredded off the road or not, if not your problem is elsewhere...

If you think it's wheel arches the insides of your tyres should be at least polished looking, possibly worn on the inside.
Marty.

Prospectors

martyc5674 wrote: »

Before irreversibly chopping them get some strong tape and stick some card behind them.. let the card drop 2 or 3 mm lower than the flap, ho for a spin and see if the card is getting shredded off the road or not, if not your problem is elsewhere...

If you think it's wheel arches the insides of your tyres should be at least polished looking, possibly worn on the inside.
Marty.

Great idea, marty, thanks. I'll try that

Needles73

Prospectors wrote: »

I have a 2011 passat which makes very noticeable "rubbing" noises when I go over bumps at speed. Not speed bumps, just crests and troughs that you find on secondary roads.

The noise nearly always comes from the front and I'm convinced it's either the mudflaps hitting the road or the tyres are rubbing the wheel arches. It happens both on straights and bends.

I have measured the distance between Road and flaps, it is less than 3 inches which seems little.
Also for info, the tyres are 235/45R17.

Any thoughts? (before I try cutting an inch off the mudflaps)

No need for card. The Passat is notorious for mud flaps scraping. Drives me nuts on mine. Apparently non genuine ones can be got on eBay which are shorter.

Prospectors

Needles73 wrote: »

No need for card. The Passat is notorious for mud flaps scraping. Drives me nuts on mine. Apparently non genuine ones can be got on eBay which are shorter.

Thanks, trimmed them and problem solved!