Buzz, Squeak and Rattle Testing

For many years, no one cared much about buzzes, squeaks and rattles. Engine, drive train, tire, traffic and wind noises masked just about everything. But cars (especially luxury cars) have come to resemble living rooms, in which people spend much time. People want to talk, not shout, as they drive. They want entertainment. The carmakers obliged, as you’ll see in the first few figures. Automobiles got much quieter.

But a new problem emerged: BSR. New-car buyers complain about what they consider excessive BSR. Sounds around 2500 Hz (where human hearing is most acute) elicit the most complaints. New car buyers are complaining about “small” sounds that formerly were masked by wind noises, engine noises, road noises, etc. The term BSR can be applied to certain noises generated inside the passenger compartment.

32.1 Buzz, Squeak and Rattle (BSR),Itch

32.2 Sound quality measurements

32.3 Loudness - sones and phons

32.4 Buzz, Squeak and Rattle (BSR) shaking

32.5 Sine sweeping

32.6 Structural stiffness is important

32.7 Sound limits

32.8 Enclosures needed

32.9 Warning re aliasing

32.10 Remote control of shaker

32.11 BSR