Excess road noise

[cmc]

I just purchased a used 2016 Lacrosse Premium 1. It is really quiet on most roads, but on any rough surface it is very noisey--lots more than the 2006 Lucerne we just traded. Obviously, I didn't ride on such a road before purchase. This car has 18" rims. Nice condition with about 50% tread life
left. Can I change to 17" rims with a taller profile to match the 18" diameter and if so will that reduce road noise on rough asphalt surfaces?

 

[MelsRegal]

Not sure how tire diameter correlates to road noise?
What tires exactly are on the vehicle now and how many miles are on the vehicle?
Did you set the cold tire pressure to the number on the drivers door jamb label?

 

[cmc]

Not sure how tire diameter correlates to road noise?
What tires exactly are on the vehicle now and how many miles are on the vehicle?
Did you set the cold tire pressure to the number on the drivers door jamb label?

Thank you for your response to my query.

The tires are Goodyear Eagle. Maybe original equip as there is about 30k miles on the car. Pressure is 34 per dash monitor, door jam says 33.

RE; why change? I have seen this same Lacrosse complaint several times on the internet so it may not be unique to this car. That complaint is where the car is quiet on most paved surfaces but becomes very noisy when the pavement surface changes (rougher). Then I read where a taller profile tire provides more 'cushion' to road imperfections all be it at the cost of a performance loss. But at my age of 72, I don't need the ultimate performance. I just want a quiet ride. If the low profile design of the 18" tire 'feels' the rocky surface while a taller profile would 'skate' over them, then the noise would disappear. Maybe????

At this point, my first concern is can a 17" rim be used without effecting the brakes or steering components? If that is okay, then the next step is to try it unless some one has already it. Just looking for a solution to the noise.

Thanks again for your time. Carl
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[2007LucerneCXL]

Carl, I'll agree on the larger sidewall tire will provide more cushion, I have 18" Goodrich on a Lucerne and 15" Goodyear on a Lesabre. I used both on the same identical road, rough and smooth, daily switching between the two and didn't notice a difference in noise. But the suspension on the LeSabre is a lot more mushy compared to the Lucerne and the feedback between the two is different.

I only mentioned this as changing the tire size may lesson it somewhat, the suspension may be the other area to remember is also a factor.

For picking tires, not necessarily buying, use tirerack website as you can see all that would fit and reviews, good luck on your project.

 

[cmc]

Carl, I'll agree on the larger sidewall tire will provide more cushion, I have 18" Goodrich on a Lucerne and 15" Goodyear on a Lesabre. I used both on the same identical road, rough and smooth, daily switching between the two and didn't notice a difference in noise. But the suspension on the LeSabre is a lot more mushy compared to the Lucerne and the feedback between the two is different.

I only mentioned this as changing the tire size may lesson it somewhat, the suspension may be the other area to remember is also a factor.

For picking tires, not necessarily buying, use tirerack website as you can see all that would fit and reviews, good luck on your project.

Thanks for the reply. Loved our 06 Lucerne CXSw/Northstar. Hated to let it go but after fixing an engine oil leak($4k), new coil paks(5@$200ea) , and O2 sensors(4@$200), all one at a time over the past 2 years and with 174k miles thought it time. Knowing what I do now, I'd keep the Lucerne over the Lacrosse. However, the Lacrosse is a really nice car and regardless the smaller trunk and road noise I can see how its features bring an old fart into the more modern era. Still hoping someone can tell me if the smaller rims will work on the Lacrosse Premium I.

 

[oldteach]

CMC...I can really relate to what you are experiencing...I am 70 and own a 2001 Buick
Park Avenue and a 2010 LaCrosse with 18 inch Michelin stiff tires. I had new shocks and front struts put on the LaCrosse as it feels every little imperfection in the road. That helped a little, but you still really feel the pavement a lot more then the Park Avenue! There is just not enough tire height to absorb those road imperfections on the LaCross. Welcome to the world of low profile tires! The noise you are hearing ,though, sounds more like the fact that your tires are 50% worn and those Goodyears were known as a loud tire. I think 17 inch tires will through off your speedometer and also not fit over your brakes. Not sure, though. I would invest in a new set of 18 inch Continental Comfort tires . You still will feel the road but your car has a lot of sound proofing.which helps a bit. It will never feel as nice as your older cars, though!

 

[Rich B.]

We had ours out yesterday and couldn't notice any road noise, but now this is Maine. Potholes, poor road drainage, loose sand, pavement pebbles and stones everywhere.

Car is tight, no rattles or squeaks and I would say surprisingly quiet, can't comment at this trouble. Have had nothing but compliments- people riding in car; they didn't have to say anything?

It's a great time in life though to have tinnitus and what's said has a completely different meaning lmao. I hear comments I have to shake my head at and walk away, nobody could think some things up if even they really tried.

 

[Bhodi's Buick]

Here's a thought...

The LaCrosse is soooo quiet that....

The normal sound of the tires on a rough surface can appear to be more pronounced from the absence of other noises such as: engine hum, exhaust rattle, wind, etc...

 

[2007LucerneCXL]

Carl it's a little apples and oranges on the suspension if you had the magnetic ride control on the Lucerne, but if you feel a 1/2" inch of sidewall will make a difference this is a listing of available size tires and wheels for the 2016 Lacrosse and I would still confirm it with a Buick dealer before making the change.
2016 Buick LaCrosse

The lucerne did have various suspension options from soft to sport, so you may also find out about the Lacrosse options. The cost of wheels, tires, TPMS and possible alignment not knowing if this will make it a better sounding ride is your decision. For me I would consider bumping the 18" up to gain the 1/2 inch sidewall, a softer compound tire of course the trade off may be shorter tire life and gas milage.