Soundproofing and sound insulation of wheel wells in a vehicle

Soundproofing and insulating the wheel wells in a vehicle is an effective measure for reducing road noise and creating a quieter and more comfortable driving experience. The wheel wells are one of the biggest sources of noise in a car because they are directly exposed to road surface irregularities, tire rolling resistance, and external noise transmitted from the road surface. By soundproofing this part of the car, you can significantly reduce the annoying noise that penetrates the passenger compartment, thereby improving comfort for both the driver and passengers.

One of the most effective ways to reduce sound transmission from the wheel wells is to apply sound-deadening material to the inside of the inner fenders. These materials absorb vibrations and reduce resonance from the road surface, resulting in a quieter car interior. A combination of sound-insulating and sound-absorbing materials can provide the best results, with dense materials helping to block sound while porous materials absorb and reduce reverberation.

In addition to soundproofing the wheel wells themselves, it is also important to review the seals and fasteners in the bodywork. Leaky wheel wells or loosely fitted inner fenders can amplify vibrations and noise, allowing noise to more easily penetrate the cabin. By ensuring that all joints and fasteners are properly installed and sealed, you can further reduce the noise level in the vehicle.

Many vehicle manufacturers offer sound insulation as part of their premium equipment, but even cars without factory-fitted sound insulation can be upgraded with the right materials and methods. For those who often drive on rough road surfaces or motorways, carefully executed sound insulation of the wheel arches can make a big difference.

Soundproofing the wheel wells in a vehicle is not only about reducing noise levels but also about improving the driving experience. A quieter cabin makes it easier to have conversations, listen to music, or simply enjoy a more relaxing drive without distracting noise. By choosing the right materials and methods, you can create a significantly improved sound environment in your car, whether it's for daily commuting or long journeys.

Step by step: How to soundproof the inside of a vehicle's inner fenders

Soundproofing the inner fenders of a vehicle is one of the most effective ways to reduce tire noise and vibrations from the road surface. By installing the right soundproofing material on the inside of the inner fenders, you can create a quieter and more comfortable driving experience. Follow this detailed step-by-step guide for best results.

Step 1: Check if your vehicle has inner fenders

Before you start soundproofing, you need to make sure your vehicle has inner wheel arches.

Step 1.1: Check the wheel wells of your vehicle to see if there are inner fenders.

Step 1.2: If your vehicle does not have inner fenders, look into purchasing them as an aftermarket product.

Result: A durable solution where the soundproofing material is protected from dirt, water, and wear.

Step 2: Prepare the inner fenders for installation of soundproofing material

Before installation, it is important to clean the surface for best adhesion.

Step 2.1: Remove the inner fenders if possible for easier installation.

Step 2.2: Clean the inside of the inner fender with degreaser to remove dirt and grease.

Step 2.3: Allow the surface to dry completely before proceeding to the next step.

Result: Improved adhesion for the soundproofing material, providing durable and long-lasting soundproofing.

Step 3: Install the SilentDirect Polaric damping mat

The first level of soundproofing involves reducing vibrations and sound reflections from the wheel housing.

Step 3.1: Cut the SilentDirect Polaric soundproofing mat into suitable pieces to fit the inside of the inner fender.

Step 3.2: Remove the protective film and press the damping mat directly onto the inside of the inner fender.

Step 3.3: Press the material firmly into place and make sure it is evenly distributed without any air bubbles.

Result: A stable base of vibration damping that reduces the noise level from the road surface.

Step 4: Install SilentDirect Neo for additional sound absorption

If there is sufficient space, you can improve the sound insulation by adding an extra layer of sound-absorbing material.

Step 4.1: Cut SilentDirect Neo 7mm to fit on top of the SilentDirect Polaric damping mat.

Step 4.2: Apply a strong mounting adhesive or double-sided tape to attach SilentDirect Neo to the damping mat.

Step 4.3: Press the material firmly into place and ensure that it covers as large an area as possible.

Result: An extra layer of sound insulation that absorbs sound waves from the road surface and reduces tire noise.

Step 5: Reinstall the inner fenders and test the result

Once the damping material is in place, it's time to reinstall the inner fenders and test the effect of the sound insulation.

Step 5.1: Reinstall the inner fenders in the vehicle and ensure that they are securely fastened.

Step 5.2: Test the car by driving on different road surfaces and listen for the difference in noise level.

If additional soundproofing is needed, consider adding extra sound insulation in the wheel wells or fender edges.

Result: A significant reduction in tire noise and a quieter driving experience.

The advantages of soundproofing the inside of the inner fenders

Reduced tire noise
Absorbs road noise and reduces annoying noise from the wheels.

Increased driving comfort
Provides a quieter cabin and a more pleasant driving environment.

Better sound quality in the car
Reduced noise allows you to better enjoy music and conversations while driving.

Longer service life for vehicle components
Less vibration reduces wear and tear on the car's structure.

Other tips for reducing noise from wheel housings and vehicles

Noise from wheel wells and other parts of a vehicle can be both annoying and negatively affect driving comfort. Road noise, vibrations, and mechanical disturbances can all contribute to a noisy cabin, making long journeys tiring and less enjoyable. By taking the right measures, you can significantly reduce these noises and create a quieter and more comfortable driving experience.

Balance the wheels to reduce vibrations and noise
One of the most common causes of disturbing noise from the wheel wells is unbalanced wheels. When the wheels are not properly balanced, it can lead to vibrations that spread through the vehicle's chassis and create unwanted noise. In addition to affecting comfort, imbalance can also cause uneven wear on the tires, which can further contribute to increased road noise. Regular inspection and balancing of the wheels at a workshop ensures a smooth and quiet ride.

Choose high-quality tires for lower road noise
The material, pattern, and construction of the tire have a major impact on how much noise enters the passenger compartment. Tires with a softer rubber compound and specially designed patterns can reduce road noise by absorbing vibrations and reducing friction against the road surface. Narrower tires often generate less noise than wider tires, and tire pressure can also affect how much noise spreads from the wheel wells. By investing in quality tires with low noise levels, you can improve both comfort and the sound environment in your car.

Seals around the wheel arches to block noise
Another effective method of reducing noise from the wheel arches is to use seals and insulation materials. By applying sound-absorbing seals around the wheel arches, you can minimize the spread of road noise into the passenger compartment. The seals also help to reduce vibrations and improve the vehicle's overall insulation against both noise and weather conditions.

Regular maintenance to counteract unnecessary noise
A well-maintained vehicle is quieter and more comfortable to drive. The wheel system, suspension, and wheel suspension play a crucial role in dampening road noise and vibrations. If shock absorbers or suspension components are worn, they can create a metallic or thumping noise that is amplified by the wheel wells. By regularly inspecting and, if necessary, replacing worn parts, you can ensure that your car continues to perform at a high level and maintains a quiet driving environment.

Create a quieter and more comfortable driving experience
By taking measures such as balancing the wheels, choosing low-noise tires, installing seals around the wheel wells, and maintaining the suspension, you can significantly reduce noise in the vehicle. These efforts not only contribute to a more comfortable driving experience, but can also improve the life of the car and reduce wear on important components. Investing in the right measures makes a noticeable difference in both noise levels and driving comfort.

Did you know that..

The sound from the wheel wells can account for a large part of the road noise in a vehicle, but it's not just about tire noise. Many people believe that the noise comes directly from the tires hitting the asphalt, but a large part of the noise is created by resonance in the wheel well panels and vibrations that travel through the car body. This means that the sound doesn't just travel through the air – it travels through the entire vehicle frame!

A common mistake is to only use sound-absorbing materials inside the wheel wells. But since the wheel wells are exposed to dirt, water, and shocks, vibration-damping materials such as nitrile rubber (NBR) or bitumen plates are also needed to reduce resonance in the metal. When vibrations are stopped at the source, noise can be reduced before it even reaches the passenger compartment.

But the biggest wow factor? A wheel well acts as an amplifier if left empty. By covering the surface with MLV (Mass Loaded Vinyl) and sound-absorbing foam, you can drastically reduce noise, especially at higher speeds.

So next time you wonder why your car is so noisy, remember that it's not just about the road, but how sound travels through the car. And the right choice of materials can make a bigger difference than you think!

Products that are good for soundproofing and sound dampening wheel wells

Wheel housings are one of the biggest sources of road noise in vehicles, where sound from tires, gravel, and asphalt can spread and create a noisy driving experience. To reduce this noise and improve comfort in the vehicle cabin, the right sound-insulating and vibration-damping materials are required. Here we present our best products for effectively sound-insulating and sound-damping wheel housings in cars, vans, and other vehicles.

SilentDirect Polaric damping mat
SilentDirect Polaric is a heavy damping mat made from a butyl mix with a durable aluminum surface. It is designed to effectively reduce vibrations and sound transmission by creating a dense sound barrier. By applying SilentDirect Polaric to the inside of the wheel wells or to the vehicle's wheel arch liners, you reduce road noise and vibrations transmitted through the vehicle body. The product also works excellently to reduce engine noise and structure-borne noise in other parts of the car.

SilentDirect MLV
SilentDirect MLV (Mass Loaded Vinyl) is a heavy, flexible sound insulation mat that blocks sound transmission and reduces vibrations in the vehicle's wheel arches. Installing SilentDirect MLV on top of SilentDirect Polaric creates an even more effective sound barrier that dampens both structure-borne and airborne noise. This product is also used in other vehicles to reduce noise in engine compartments, floor panels, and roofs. SilentDirect MLV can be easily cut to fit specific surfaces and is one of the most effective solutions for reducing road noise.

SilentDirect Neo
SilentDirect Neo is a flat version of SilentDirect Egg and is made from the same highly absorbent NBR rubber. It is particularly suitable for installations where a smooth surface is required, such as on the inside of wheel arches or fenders where low-profile soundproofing is needed. SilentDirect Neo also works well in other parts of the vehicle where it is used to dampen noise from floors, ceilings, and door panels. For high-frequency sounds and complex sound environments, SilentDirect Egg is recommended, but where a flat surface is needed, Neo is the best choice.

SilentDirect Seal
SilentDirect Seal is a flexible sealing strip made of nitrile rubber (NBR), available in several thicknesses and widths. It is specially designed to eliminate sound leakage between panels and joints in wheel arches. By using SilentDirect Seal in wheel arch joints and connections, you can reduce airborne noise and vibrations, contributing to a quieter driving experience. The product is also used in other vehicles where it covers joints and reduces noise intrusion into the passenger compartment.

SilentDirect Egg
SilentDirect Egg is a sound absorber made of NBR rubber (nitrile rubber), known for its exceptional sound-absorbing properties. Its unique egg shape breaks up sound waves and reduces sound reflections, making it ideal for absorbing road noise in wheel arches and other parts of the vehicle body. By installing SilentDirect Egg on the inside of the wheel arches or on the fenders, you can effectively reduce the noise level and improve the acoustics in the vehicle. The product is also used in engine compartments, where it absorbs engine noise and reduces resonance. For best results, a thickness of at least 35 mm is recommended, but 50 mm gives even better results.

SilentDirect's products offer effective, high-quality solutions for soundproofing and sound dampening wheel arches. By combining the right products, you can create a quieter and more comfortable driving experience, whether for passenger cars, commercial vehicles, or special-purpose vehicles.