Acutally the 07 has more insulation than the 04. What tires are on the 04 and 07? I think that might be your answer.

 

Exactly. In 2005+ models, Toyota added more insulation especially along the firewall. My 2004 Corolla S was noisier in city driving than my 2005 XRS.

 

The 2004 has Goodyear Integrity's (OEM) on it and the 2007 has Bridgestone Insignia SE 200's on it. Nate

 

The 2004 has Goodyear Integrity's (OEM) on it and the 2007 has Bridgestone Insignia SE 200's on it. Nate

don't matter which one they have on, they both rated live at 35000km, so if you still using oem tire and about hit 30k, you better start saving for new set.

 

Thanks slaander, but your answer has nothing to do with my question. Nate

 

My '07 LE has the Bridgestones as well, and there's noticeable road noise. I don't know if it's any more than a model with the Goodyear tires, because I've never driven one. Actually -- I guess I have -- I rented one a long time ago with the Goodyears, but I don't recall the exact amount of road noise it had.

In addition, I've pumped my tires up beyond the recommended PSI for better economy. The recommended PSI is 30, front and rear. I've got mine at about 36 front and about 34-35 rear. Lots more road noise and road texture at this level. I may bring them back down to about 33-34 or so. Are you running the recommended inflation pressures (30/30)?

My rear tires only have about 5/32" of tread (the fronts are at about 7/32"), so I may replace them within the next year or so. I was going to ask what folks are using, and if they've found one line of tires to be any quieter than others.

 

Hi Jason, thanks for the reply

I had Goodyear Integrity tires on my 2004 until recently. I replaced them with Hankook Mileage Plus II's. I was going to buy Yokohama AVID TRZ's because I heard and read good things about them but I heard even better things about the Hankook's and there is a dealer locally so decided on them and I'm very satisfied with them. They have a mileage rating of 620, are quiet and took very little or no weight to balance them. Hankook is not highly advertised but they are made by a huge tire company in South Korea and are gaining an excellent reputation.

Toyota recommends 30 pounds in the tires but when I took the Goodyears off my 2004, I noticed that they were wearing on the sides more than in the middle so I pumped the tires up on both Corollas to 35 lbs. They ride a little harder but will likely last longer. If I ever replace the Bridgestones on the 2007, I'll use the same Hankook Mileage plus tire. I drive hard and fast (or I DID until gas went over 4 bucks) so I need good tires with a good treadwear rating and sturdy sidewalls. Noisy tires really annoy me.....I'm very happy with the Hankooks. See ya, Nate

 

Nate, thanks for the note about the Hankook tires. The full name of the tire is Mileage Plus II H725, right? Consumer Reports ranked that tire third in its November 2005 ratings of passenger all season tires. The only thing it got less than a "Very Good" on were Ice Braking and Tread Life. It seems to be somewhat of a "sleeper" tire.

I think the current name for these tires (or maybe it even replaces them) is the Optimo H725. Can I ask...where were your particular tires made? It should say on the sidewall. Kumho is another value Korean brand, but most of the tires I've seen from them are made in China. I'd rather like to avoid that if I can.

 

Jason, I did find the number H725 on those tires in tiny little letters along with some other numbers. The date the tires were made and the location is shown on the sidewall. They were made in Korea in 2007. I don't blame you for being skeptical of Chinese tires. Besides possible quality problems, I think we have sent enough money to China. Nate

 

Jason, I did find the number H725 on those tires in tiny little letters along with some other numbers. The date the tires were made and the location is shown on the sidewall. They were made in Korea in 2007. I don't blame you for being skeptical of Chinese tires. Besides possible quality problems, I think we have sent enough money to China. Nate

Nate, thanks a lot for checking.

Another tire in which I'm interested is the Cooper CS4 Touring. It's a relatively new tire from Cooper, and I haven't heard a SINGLE negative thing about it. Cooper tires were generally very middling (to even unimpressive) a few years ago, but they seem to have hit a real grand slam with the CS4 Touring. All reports indicate that it's very quiet, comfortable, and it brings EXCELLENT wet and snowy traction. Many folks (on other boards) have commented on its excellent winter traction. I'm very seriously interested in this tire (I will probably get new ones this winter).

Anyone tried the Cooper CS4 Touring on their 9th gen?

 

OK, I've got a 2006 CE and I've noticed the road noise from the start.... 38,000kms on her and I replaced the tires with new Michelins... no change..

I'm sure the noise is just a lack of sound deadening insulation that should be under the carpet and on the firewall.... The CE model is base and likely Toyota saved $ by not installing it....

My thoughts...!!

 

Or you have a bad wheel bearing causing road noise that sounds like tires.

I use a basic fool proof wheel bearing check method.

Disclaimer: Myself of ToyotaNation are not liable for any injury or damage that may occur from use of this DIY. Automotive diagnosis and repair should be performed by qualified technicians. Proceed at your own risk.

1. Jack the car up with the front wheels completely of the ground and least 5 inches.
2. Secure the car on jack stands and secure the parking brake or chock the wheels.
3. Start the car.
4. After rechecking to make sure the wheels are OFF THE GROUND!!! Put the car in drive.
5. Both wheels should be turning at this point very slowly at least.
6. Carefully reach your hand between the turning wheel and fender and grab onto the coil spring with your hand.
7. If the coil spring feels smooth the wheel bearing is likely not the cause. If you can feel roughness, vibrations, or anything that isn't smooth through the spring the wheel bearing is toast.
8. Do the same for both sides.
9. Once verified press the foot brake and place the vehicle in park.
10. Shut off the engine.
11. Lower the vehicle off jack stands.
12. Raise the rear of the vehicle.
13. Secure it on jack stands.
14. Manually spin the rear wheels with your hands.
15. While the wheel is spinning check the coil spring exactly as above.
16. Once you verify which bearing is failed replace it.
17. Lower the vehicle off jack stands.