Here is a real puzzle - buzzing at 70mph that stops on windscreen wash

[Bobmacd1]

My 2000 E class has developed a buzzing noise in the front drivers side upper dashboard area. It sounds like big angry bee. It starts at 70 mph or less if in a headwind. It stops when I wash the screen and stays stopped for say 30 minutes. I have checked and I dont have a hive in the engine!! So - what starts at 70 and stops when wet? Its a puzzle and I would really appreciate any pointers to the solution.

 

[whitenemesis]

Something trapped around the wiper mechanism?

 

[_Taz_]

hmm....

sounds like you may have a loose windscreen seal / bond / an air gap, as the washer fluid seems to temporarily seal it ??

Have you checked when using the washers ( with the car stationary ! )

that there are NO leaks inside the car ? Maybe hard, as the water will have to drip down the back of the dashboard....

Else, it could be a perished wiper blade, if you swap them over, does the noise transfer to the other side ?? quick way to check !

 

[horgantrevor]

have you had the windscreen changed lately
lift the bonnet and have a look for loose trim
i would also change wiper blades

 

[wireman]

Wiper blade or weak arm spring, the wind may be making the blade behave like an organ/oboe/clarinet/squezze box/saxophone etc reed.

A twisted/bent wiper arm can also be the culprit.

 

[horgantrevor]

if i remember in a top gear episode clarkson was driving a ferrari and at 70 mph he had a bussing that drove him mad on the trip

it turned out to be a bent wiper arm or blade

 

[horgantrevor]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rtVdWcIU1sY

here is the link

the noise is at 5:40 min and seconds

is it the same